I think we can all agree that birds on stuff has become quite the trend.  Birds are on everything – dishes, bedding, accessories.  The top searched item on my blog are my Bird Silhouette plates.  And I saw this video a while ago when Melissa @ The Inspired Room posted it and if you haven’t seen it – you will thoroughly enjoy it. 

 

Now my question was this - are birds on stuff still in or on the way out?  Based on the evidence that I am finding out there still for sale – it doesn’t look like  it.  Just take a look at the latest Pottery Barn catalog for proof of that!  And don’t even get me started on the latest phenomenon of owl merchandise. 

So in honor of the beloved bird accessory – I found eight options for you to get your bird on! 

For starters how about this kitchen set that features a graphic bird print.  Reminds me of woodblock prints!

5 pc Kitchen Set from Target – $19.99

How about a darling little bird to perch on your jewelry dish?  Leave your bracelets in the dish and your rings on the tail!

Bird Jewelry Dish from Pottery Barn – $19

Need a cute way to display more snapshots?  How about this “Bird on a Wire” photo holder.  This is seriously cute!

Bird on a Wire Photo Holder from ZGallerie – $12.95

These white bird frames have a rustic feel.  Love the distressed look.

White Ave Bird Frames from World Market – $12.99 – 14.99

Take your bird a little more tropical and grab a parrot pillow from Pottery Barn.

Pineapple Bird Pillow Cover from Pottery Barn – $29.00

This is probably one of the only ways birds would be welcome at your dinner party – on the napkin rings!

Bird Napkin Rings (set of 4) from ZGallerie – $19.80

Make a “bird” bath in your house!  (Sorry – that was a horrible pun, but I couldn’t help myself!)   These birds are based on flower patterns found from old books.  Which actually sounds pretty cool.

Bird Collage Shower Curtain from West Elm – $39.00

And if you thought birds couldn’t be put on anything else – how about on the top of these glass canisters? 

Glass Bird Canisters from Pottery Barn – $29 - 44

So there you go – eight fantastically featherful accessories.  Now I wanna know – do you love bird stuff?  Or are you over this trend?  Sound off!

So for today – I have a tutorial on how to make a Tricycle Diaper Cake.  However, let me start by saying this isn’t something that I made.  This is something that was given to me at one of my showers.  But it was so amazing that I took it apart piece by piece to make sure I would 1.) be able to replicate it and 2.) share it with you guys! 

So here is what you will need as far as ingredients go! 

• Diapers – at least two jumbo packs
• Lots of big rubber bands
• 1 1/2 inch ribbon
• 1 paper towel tube
• 2 napkins
• 1 receiving blanket
• 1 pair of baby socks
• 1 zip tie
• 1 pacifier
• 1 bib
• 1 dishwasher basket
• 1/4 inch ribbon
• 1 cute cuddly friend (love the giraffe!)

To start – I would make the “tires” first.  Basically – you layer each diaper on top of one another into a tight circle.  One needs to be larger than the other two and the size is something that you might need to judge for yourself based on how big you want the cake.  This one had 25 in the front tire and 18 in the back.

I found it easier when trying to put it back together to get it started like this and get the rubber band around and then shift them into place.  You will need to leave a hole in the center.  Once you get the tire finished you wrap a piece of ribbon around and secure it on the bottom. 

Next you need to make the back axel.  Using the paper towel tube, you need to wrap a napkin around the end of the tube and then put a diaper around the middle.  Then you use a couple of rubber bands and secure the dishwasher basket around the axel. Slide your two back tires on and you are done with that portion of the trike.

Next you have to make the handlebars.  Straighten a hanger and then bend it into a u-shape.  Bend the ends down and tape them down so there are no pokey ends.  Wrap the receiving blanket and secure both the bottom of U and the ends with rubber bands.  Slide socks over the ends.  You can secure the socks with rubber bands and then roll up the ends to cuff.

Next – thread the hanger through the front tire and overlap the handlebars.  Secure with a zip tie.   Once secured, use a rubber band to secure a pacifier and ribbon on the front.  Tie a bow to hide any evidence of rubber bands.

Lay a bib down as your “seat and wrap around the handlebars. 

To connect your front and back pieces – you need to thread a ribbon through the back and front tires.  Get it pretty tight to ensure it doesn’t fall apart or the front wheel doesn’t fall over.  Set your fuzzy friend on top and you are ready to go!

Again – I can’t get over how adorable this was and it was such a great gift.  The other great thing to do for the mom-to-be is to include a little note in the card that tells the size of the diapers and the type of pacifier. 

So what do you think?  Isn’t this just adorable!  I love it!  Would you make it for a shower?  I wanna know!

Linking this up to

Metamorphosis Monday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch
Tip Me Tuesday with Laurie @ Tip Junkie
Get Your Craft On with Kim @ Today’s Creative Blog
Tips and Tutorials Tuesday with Beth @ Home Stories A2Z
Transformation Thursday with Gina @ Shabby Chic Cottage
Hookin up with HOH with Allison @ House of Hepworths

Ok – who is finished with all your shopping?  We still have a few last minute things we need to pick up – but I am pretty close to done.  But while I have been finishing up my shopping I have also been keeping an eye out for great deals for you guys.  Check em out!

Perfect for the wine lover on your list – this 2 piece wine pourer and stopper set from Crate and Barrel is sure to please.  And you can’t beat the price!

Metrokane Wine Pourer and Stopper set  from Crate & Barrel – $4.95

Love this blue cast iron tea pot.  It also as an optional warmer to keep that fresh pot of tea warm!  Great gift for the tea drinker in your life.

Blue Cast Iron Tea Pot & Warmer Set from World Market – $9.99

This set of four flavored oils is perfect for the gourmet food fiend in your life.  Just make sure they invite you over for dinner when they use them!

Set of Four Flavored Oils from Crate & Barrel – $6.95

Love this set of grey votive holders.  So pretty!  ZGallerie actually has these in several colors.

Trio Votive Holders – Grey from ZGallerie – $7.99

Love these “non-paper” cups that look like your favorite to go drinks!  I have one of these and it is awesome!!  Dishwasher safe and perfect for toting your drink around and keeping it green! 

Non Paper Cup from World Market – $7.99

Ok – perhaps this gift is just perfect for yourself from Santa?  I love this Hurricane – how gorgeous!!!  And the price is beyond reasonable!

Langham Hurricane from ZGallerie – $6.99

Or do you have a movie lover in your life?  Perhaps this set of Popcorn Seasonings is the right gift for them!  Just add to a box of popcorn and you are set!

Set of 3 Popcorn Seasonings from Crate and Barrel – $7.95

Or perhaps you need a gift for that oh-so-elegant friend/MIL/coworker?  How about this classy vase?  It is the perfect edition to a side table or desk.

Positivo Mirror Vase 10” from ZGallerie – $5.99

So there you go – eight great gifts for under $10.  Find something to help complete your shopping list?  I hope so! 

Ok – for starters we have to get some business out of the way.  The winner of the $30 gift card from my Blog-aversary giveaway is ….

Entry #6 - Larissa @ Reef Botanicals!

She said she would use the card to  go to Joann’s to “to get fabric to make a skirt for my face painting cart for an event I have in February.”  Larissa and her hubby Eric makes some fantastic looking natural botanical soaps and scrubs and such.  And she face paints.  And she’s a lawyer!  I love this chick!  Hop over and give her a little love today!   Did I mention she is having a giveaway for her stuff?   Would you be intrigued if I told you it was for some Almond Pastry Facial Scrub and other goodies?  That just sounds heavenly!

Now I have some other great news!  Open Sky has given me 10 coupons for 25% off anything in my shop!  That is a huge deal!  When I launched they only gave 15% off!  So if you are looking for anything for your home or want to get a head start on your Christmas shopping – this is the time! 

If you want to take advantage of this great offer – head over to my Open Sky Shop and use code FRUGALF30PCT at checkout.  This coupon is only good for purchases up to $100 and it has to be used by 10/31.  This is a limited code that will only work for the first 10 people that use it – so if you see something you want I would use it ASAP!   I will keep an eye out and let you know if it is still available – so if you are reading this now it is still good!!   Happy Shopping! 

Oh and just so you know – I have added some new stuff to the shop!  Wanna see?

For starters – I have expanded on my collection of vinyl wall art.  I added this customizable Nie Nie bird print that you can have created with your families name.  Normally this is $32 – but with the 25% off coupon you can get it for $24!

I also added this 11x14 Beautiful Bird in Purple print that would be perfect with your little angels name on it!  It would also be $24 after the discount!  (BTW – Jayden Lily?? GREAT baby name!) 

Or how about this Alphabet Soup Girl print!  Too cute!  I also have a boys version available too!  Both would be customized for you and only $24 with the discount! 

Or perhaps you want some of that cute numbered stuff that is all the rage.  I have this Custom Vinyl Letter/Number Set with the numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3 in the shop.  You can just add them to your own containers and dishes to make some customized creations!  These are normally $16 but they would be just $12 with the coupon!

I also have this customizable set of two 8x10 prints with a Garden Silhouette and Initial.  A great accent piece to any room and would only be $22.50 after the discount!  

Want to get your household more organized?  I am offering both a set of White board Wall Decals and a set of Chalk Board Wall Decals.  Both have three pieces that will allow you to hang separately or together to make one big writing surface.   You can hang and remove and rehang again and again!  And each set will only set you back $13.50 with the discount! 

 

Perhaps you want some new accents for your home.  I have added a rustic wire basket and a set of eight rusted feathers.  After discount the pack of feathers is on $13.50 and the basket is only $21.75!

  

I have also added this beautiful embroidered Sawyer Hill Runner!  Normally $32 – this will only be $24 after the discount!  I think it is just gorgeous!

Now I love this one!  This Whimsical Birds Shower Curtain is eco-friendly, recyclable and 100% PVC free!  Cute and environmentally friendly!  And only $18.50 after the discount!

Another great idea and a perfect gift, the book Inspirational Home features ways that you can infuse your faith into your home with craft and decor ideas!  Written by Jeanne Winters – this could be a great addition to your or your favorite crafters bookcase!  Normally, $25 it will only be $18.75 with your discount!

 

Now I know I might lose some of you guys here – but I also added a few Holiday/Christmas items!  (Hey – if the big stores can do it I guess I can too!  I saw a woman at Hobby Lobby the other day with two carts full of stuff at the checkout!  Crazy!)  Anyways – if you are already out shopping for your Holiday decor needs I have this Poinsettia Table Topper and this Scandia Holiday Runner up for grabs as well.  Both are only $28.50 after the discount! 

And that isn’t all – there are even more things over at the shop – including that zinc memo board you all went crazy for initially!  (It’s only $21 after the discount!)  But I think if I put any more things in this post – you guys will kill me! 

Have any favorites?  Are you going to take advantage of the discount?  I hope so! 

Happy Shopping!

Mason Jars are a basic staple for anyone who does canning at this time of year - but they are also a great craft and decoration staple. So what all can you do with a Mason Jar? Let's explore!

1. Use it as a Centerpiece
I love the idea of sticking flowers into mason jars.  There is just something so rustic and simple about it.  To me the more organic and crazy the arrangement the better. 

Photo via Lisa Light, LTD

2.  Turn it into a Hanging Lantern
I know a lot of people in blogland took their turn at knocking off the Hanging Lanterns from PB this year.  I was no exception - here was my version, filled with river rocks.

3. Make Seasonal Luminaries 
I love the idea of using LED tealights and making seasonal pathway lights.  Like these spooky Halloween Luminaries that Amanda @ Crafts by Amanda made!  Aren't these adorable and a great way to lead your trick-or-treater's to your door! 

Photo by Crafts with Amanda

4.  Turn it into a Soap Dispenser

Ok - how simple is this.  Drill a hole in the top and put a pump in.  And then you have a great looking vintage dispenser!  Super cute and so easy!

 

Photo via Country Living 

5.  Transform a Chandelier 
My uber-talented friend Beth @ Stories of A to Z made this fantastic Mason Jar Chandelier this summer.  How neat is this?   

Photo from Stories from A to Z

6.  Convert it into an Oil Lamp
I love this idea - you can actually by conversion kits to to this too.  Check out this lamp that Carol @ Raised in Cotton made.  Just love it!

Photo via Raised in Cotton

7.  Turn it into a Sewing Kit
Love this Sewing Kit in a Jar from Martha Stewart.  Having a fix it kit like this in your closet?  Now that is a good thing.

8.  Use it for Decorative Storage
I mean storage is what it was designed for in the first place!  I love this hanging storage that I found on Weeping Cherries.  Isn't this brilliant?

Photo via Weeping Cherries

Or if you have open shelving it is a great way to store everyday items.

Photo via Country Living

9. Fill it with a Gift
A favorite frugal Christmas gift - recipes in a mason jar are an easy way to make a personalized gift without a lot of cash!  You can find oodles of different ones online if you search but I found a great group here at Squawkfox that includes free printable labels!  You can thank me now that you have all of your holiday hostess gifts covered! 

Photo via Squawkfox

10. Grow things in it
Seriously - if you google Mason Jar Terrarium you will find a ton of ideas and how to's.  Here is a great tutorial on how to make your own terrarium from ReNest.

  Photo via ReNest

There you go!  10 ideas for how to use Mason Jars.  So what about you?  Do you have some Mason Jars you have repurposed around your home?  Any other ideas I have left out?  Anything that has inspired you?  Let me know!  And if you have a project you want to share - feel free to post it over on my Facebook Page!  If you aren't a fan already - you are missing out!  I share all kinds of great frugal ideas and projects!  Hop over and give me a like to stay in the loop!