Simple Design Ideas for Every Homemaker

This post is dedicated to all those who feel they are not creative. I have heard too many people underestimate their own individuality, and categorize themselves in such a way as to not ever give themselves any credit for the creativity they DO have. Everyone IS creative, and the expression of that extends into the way they decorate their every day lifestyle.

I have always had the best success being creative with impromptu ideas using the materials and supplies I have laying around the house. My best projects get pulled together without any trips to the store, and without a whole lot of time to prepare. Don't ask me why it works this way...it just does. Maybe this stems from being forced to be resourceful growing up in a home where you were basically left to yourself.

Ambiance
Creating the atmosphere of a room or space takes little effort. It's all about the lighting. Try using a variety of lower watt light bulbs in various lighting fixtures or even a different colored light bulb. Set the tone. How much or how little you use will determine the atmosphere compatible for the occasion. Candles are always a winner.
Try a candle centerpiece, candles around the front porch or deck placed in old clay pots, candles in the bathroom, and candles....well.... everywhere! Keeping a supply of oil candles on hand enhances this idea, and restaurant supply stores sell them in bulk in all different sizes. I bet you'll find numerous decorative containers around your house to hold them in.

At times, I have taken a string of mini white Christmas lights and lined them along the baseboard under the couch out of site for back lighting. I do this in the bedroom as well, under the dresser or under the bed. These lights create a beautiful glow to a room. They can also hang draped on the branches of a fake tree we bought at Walmart. The tree can easily be moved to any room of the house.

Table Settings & Centerpieces
This one is easy and fun. One of my favorites is to pick some wild flowers and place them in a water pitcher, preferably one with some personality to it. I have used mine from my china cabinet, with the lid placed at the base for an added element to the design. You would be surprised at how these types of flowers can create a theme of summer comfort to your space. Get a little imaginative and play around with some bouquet ideas.

Having a friend over for coffee or brunch? Try sewing some place mats and napkins from an old dress. Clothing goes out of style so quickly, why not stitch some cut out sections from your vintage collection! If you're really up for a challenge, try sewing a circular shape with some exotic trim to be used as a base to rest a flower vase! These are so easy to make and bring some flair to any setting, especially on a drab picnic table. You Tube has some video tutorials to show you just how easy these are!

Wallpaper Books
I don't know what I would do without all my wallpaper books. I have used them over and over to create some unbelievable designs. Just the other day I made a very large card to send to a child in Thailand. The card itself is the gift for this young child, as I been informed that anything that has any resale value in this poor section won't last very long in the home, and I was advised not to send anything else. So I am putting photographs on the inside as a personal keepsake just for her.

The inside is completely covered with wallpaper. I will glue an arrangement of assorted photos.

Designs can be cut out from these books and glued on place cards, greeting cards, place mats, stationary, gift wrap, gift tags, embellishments on mat boards for framing, bulletin board backgrounds, scrap booking pages, etc. All paint stores will eventually discontinue books and throw them away. They are most willing to let you take as many as you want!

I cut out flowers one time and glued them on the back of large hand held mirrors for a group of women to remind them how unique and beautiful they are.

Pages can be used as book covers, glued on gift boxes, folded to make fans (a beautiful craft idea as party favors), book marks, wrapping paper, etc. The list is endless. Wait till you get your hands on a couple of good books, and trust me, the ideas will start flowing!

Michelle made these for her friend's wedding shower! Gorgeous!

Herb Garden for Home Made Salad Dressings
Have a patch of sun in your kitchen? This is the perfect space for a flower/herb box arrangement to help decorate your kitchen.... sort of an open pantry that's not behind a cupboard door. Jennie is growing some basil and cilantro, and has already made some pesto and salsa. After eating these fresh combinations, I am dreading having to resort back to store bought when her supply runs out! We also experimented making some fresh salad dressing using the basil, cilantro, olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, seal salt, and crushed pepper in the blender. No words can describe the difference between home made and store bought.

Gift Packaging
Say goodbye to tradition right now. I think we can do better than just the box with ribbon, or the store bought bags and tags! The following ideas will hopefully inspire you to add your own personal touch to your gift giving. Considering the gift and the person you are giving it to, there are ways to jazz up your wrapping using materials around the house.

I know this might sound a little bland an uneventful at first, but one of my favorites is to use a brown grocery bag or brown shelf paper. It's the perfect backdrop for a huge variety of embellishments. You can also use a large brown lunch bag. Here are a few ideas I have implemented;
- Trim the top edges using pattern craft scissors
- Punch holes and weave an assortment of colored twine or ribbon
- Try folding over the edges and embellish the "cuff"
- Glue strips of designs cut out from wallpaper books
     around the bag for an added accent
- Gather the bag at the top and tie a wild assortment of
     ribbons around it; lots and lots and lots of ribbons!
- Sew buttons as a border
- Write a favorite saying or quote that is relevant
     of your relationship to the recipient on the package or bag.
Look online for galleries of ideas to stimulate your own imagination!

If you like rustic, create a color palette of items; rust or rose/mauve tissue paper, colored twine, ribbons and strings, dried flowers, designs cut out of wallpaper books, sequins, rubber stamping designs, etc.

If you like vintage, assemble a collection of random things to use.... lace, flowers, string of pearls, pink, off white and green flowers cut out from a wallpaper book, rust colored paint, ink or chalk smeared around the base to give it an "aged" look (then carefully spray hairspray over it)

Pick a theme or color scheme and embellish your package with ideas that scream creativity! Practice if you're not sure at first. Now, as time goes on, you will want to have a storage area to save ANYTHING that can someday be used for gift wrap. Your collection will grow, giving way to more and more ideas!

I recently gave a gift to a friend for her graduation. It was some jewelry I had made so it only required a small amount of wrapping material. I found an old piece of lace (trimmed off a previous sewing project) and wrapped all the jewelry pieces in tissue paper first, and then tied the lace around them. She was so tickled at this version of wrapping "paper"!

Ready to begin? Walk around the house and gather old "stuff". Keep it in a location that's easily accessible for those moments that call for an added personal touch to your occasion. You will have fun! I promise!