DIY Home Decor

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  Don't let the adage fool you: April's flowers herald spring just as much as May's post-shower buds. And what smarter way to display a bunch of hyacinths or daffodils than with this easy update of a basic glass vase? To do: Head to a crafts store (or raid your own sewing stash) for a few lengths of ribbon in complementary hues and of varying widths. Layer them, as we did here; use double-sided tape to hold them in place. Trim ribbon ends neatly to finish.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Easy DIY Home Decorating Ideas

  Monica Buck

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  Here's a cheap way to cheer up your work space: Save tin cans from the recycling bin and cover them in pretty gift wrap or wallpaper remnants. Gather a collection of different-size holders -- from a tiny tomato-paste can to a larger juice container -- to fit all your storage needs. Rinse and dry the cans, then cut paper to fit; a tape measure can give you the circumference. Use spray-mount adhesive (available at office supply stores) to stick on the paper. Mix and match several papers for a playful look.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Easy DIY Home Decorating Ideas

  Andrew McCaul

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  Elevate an everyday houseplant to greatness by displaying it on a stylish stool. If you don't have a seat handy, check yard sales for a vintage perch or pick up a sleek new one for less than $40 at stores like Wal-Mart or Target.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Easy DIY Home Decorating Ideas

  Andrew McCaul

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  Cook up a new use or two for a diner-style napkin dispenser: Turn it into a fun frame that doubles as a bookend. Find a chrome holder at restaurant supply stores or at bakedeco.com ($6.25 and up). Take a piece of cardboard, trace the dispenser's shape onto it, and cut it out. Trim your photo to the same size. Double-stick tape them together, insert the piece into the holder's opening, and enjoy.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Easy DIY Home Decorating Ideas

  Andrew McCaul

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  Let spring breeze into a child's room through a fluttery curtain made of ribbon. You'll need a tension rod and about 10 yards each of five different ribbons (the amount will vary depending on window size). Cut the ribbons a few inches longer than you need in order to reach the sill, then tie each length onto the rod in a necktie knot. Alternate colors or patterns. Trim to fit.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Easy DIY Home Decorating Ideas

  Andrew McCaul

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  Let us guess -- your once-natty natural-fiber carpet has multiple stains. You've tried cleaning it, to no avail, and now you want to toss it. Don't. Try this four-step revival plan instead: Put down a drop cloth; place the rug on top and roll its surface with a base color of latex paint (we chose flax). You'll need about two gallons for an 8- by 10-foot rug. Mark stripes with painter's tape; paint (we used a quart each of sky blue and navy).
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Easy DIY Home Decorating Ideas

  Andrew McCaul

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  The perfect gift for your green-minded friend or the neighbor's newest little family member? A yearlong membership in the Arbor Day Foundation (arborday.org). When you register, the organization will send you or your recipient 10 free saplings appropriate to your region of the country. To present, write a note on a piece of cardstock you stamp with an image of a tree, and tie it to a trowel with a bit of ribbon.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Easy DIY Home Decorating Ideas

  Andrew McCaul