Creations by Kara home decor recipe craft diy Blog

As an avid DIYer and crafter, you are always on the lookout for inspiration and new skills to add to your repertoire. The Creations by Kara home decor recipe craft diy blog is your one-stop resource for innovative home decor, recipes, and craft projects that will spark your creativity. Kara, the talented blogger behind the site, provides step-by-step tutorials and stunning photography to guide you through everything from woodworking to watercolor painting. Whether you have a few hours or a whole weekend, you’ll discover an array of beginner-friendly as well as more advanced activities. The end result will be a personalized space and handmade goods that reflect your unique style. Join the growing community of Creations by Kara readers and start your next DIY adventure.

Welcome to Creations by Kara!

Welcome to Creations by Kara, your source for home decor inspiration and DIY projects. My name is Kara and I’m thrilled you’ve discovered my blog.

What You’ll Find Here

On Creations by Kara, I share decorating ideas, recipes, crafts, and step-by-step tutorials to help you create a stylish yet budget-friendly home. Some of the types of posts you can expect include:

• Home tour roundups featuring the latest trends in home decor. I scout the internet and social media to find some of my favorite rooms for inspiration.
• DIY home decor projects like reupholstering chairs, painting accent walls, building furniture, and more. I provide detailed instructions so even beginners can achieve professional-looking results.
• Recipes for homemade candles, bath & body products, and other items to make your home cozy.
• Craft ideas such as embroidery, wreath-making, and wall art. I aim to spark your creativity!

My goal is to empower you with the skills and know-how to craft a home you absolutely love. I hope you find plenty of useful ideas here on Creations by Kara! Please feel free to comment on any post with questions or just to say hello. I’m always happy to help in any way I can.

Happy creating!

Kara

Home Decor DIY Projects to Beautify Your Space

Home decor projects are a great way to make a space feel like your own. Here are a few DIY ideas to spruce up your home.

\n\n###Paint an Accent Wall##

Painting just one wall a different color than the others can create an eye-catching focal point in a room. Choose a bold shade like navy, forest green, or burnt orange, and paint the wall behind your bed or sofa. For the best results, use high-quality paint and painter’s tape to ensure crisp lines.

\n\n###Add Decorative Trim##

Adding trim like crown molding or chair rail molding is an easy way to make a room look more custom. You can find trim pieces pre-made at your local hardware store. Simply measure the wall space, cut the pieces to size, and secure them in place with wood glue, nails, or a nail gun. For an even more custom look, consider paintable wall panels or wallpaper on the bottom half of the wall.

\n\n###Create a Photo Gallery##

A collection of family photos or travel prints adds warmth and personality to any space. Buy matching frames to create a cohesive look. Arrange the photos on a blank wall in a straight line for a simple gallery or in a diamond or circular shape for something more unique. Leave equal space between each frame for the best visual effect.

\n\nWith a little time and effort, you can complete DIY home decor projects that will make your space feel stylish and personal. Focus on the details that matter most to you and your home will transform before your eyes.

5 Easy Craft Projects to Make and Sell

Creating DIY home decor crafts and selling them is an enjoyable hobby that can also generate extra income. Here are 5 easy craft projects you can make and sell:

Candles

Candle-making is an easy craft that many people enjoy. You can create scented candles, geometric candles, or dip-dyed candles. Buy wax, wicks, molds, fragrances, and dyes. Melt the wax, add color and fragrance, pour into molds, and insert wicks. Let set, then trim and you have handmade candles to sell.

Decorative boxes

Plain wooden boxes can be transformed into decorative storage boxes. You can stencil, paint, decoupage, or wood burn designs onto the boxes. Add felt pads to the bottom and a ribbon around the edge to finish. These decorative boxes are ideal for storing trinkets, stationery, or bathroom items.

Throw pillows

Throw pillows are simple to make and popular home decor items. Buy plain pillow inserts and fabric to coordinate with your color scheme. Cut two squares of fabric and sew them together, leaving one end open. Turn the right side out, insert the pillow and hand stitch the opening closed. Add trim or tassels for extra embellishment.

Artwork

Creating original artwork is a great craft project to sell. You can paint landscapes, portraits, or abstracts on canvas or wood boards. Or create collages using paper, fabric, ribbon, and found objects. Frame the artwork or leave unframed for a rustic look. Add wire to the back to make wall art.

Bath & body products

Make and sell bath and body products like bath bombs, bath salts, lotions, bath teas, and lip balms. Use natural ingredients and essential oils for fragrance. Package the products attractively in jars, tins, or cellophane bags and decorate them with ribbons, raffia, or twine. These handmade bath and body products make wonderful gifts.

Promoting your DIY crafts on social media, at local craft fairs, and in small boutiques is an easy way to sell your homemade items. Price items reasonably while still making a good profit and building up a loyal customer base. With some practice, you can turn your crafting hobby into a successful small business.

Recipe for Homemade Natural Cleaning Products

To create natural homemade cleaning products, you will need a few simple ingredients. The main ingredients are white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils. These basic items can be used to make all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, and more.

All-Purpose Cleaner

For an all-purpose cleaner, mix the following in a spray bottle:

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, or tea tree oil work well)

Shake to combine. Spray onto surfaces and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge. The natural acids in the vinegar and lemon juice help cut through grease and grime while leaving a fresh scent from the essential oils.

Glass Cleaner

To make a streak-free glass cleaner, combine:

• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 5 drops essential oil (optional, for scent)

The vinegar helps lift dirt and debris from windows and mirrors without leaving streaks. Apply with a spray bottle and wipe clean with crumpled newspaper or microfiber cloth.

Tub and Tile Cleaner

For stuck-on soap scum and mildew in the bathroom, make a scrubbing paste from:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (tea tree oil is ideal)
• Enough water to form a paste

Scrub onto surfaces with an abrasive sponge or scrub brush. Rinse well with water. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to scrub away tough grime while the castile soap helps lift it from the surface.

Using natural ingredients to make your own cleaning products is a simple way to avoid harsh chemicals in the home. These recipes can be modified by adding additional essential oils for fragrance or increasing the amounts for heavier-duty cleaning power. With a few basic items from the pantry, you’ll be cleaning green in no time.

DIY Bath & Body Products: Make Your Own Lotion Bars

DIY bath and body products are a great way to create custom creations tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Making your own lotion bars is an easy project that results in a simple, all-natural moisturizer for your skin.

Ingredients

The basic ingredients for lotion bars are:

• Beeswax: Acts as an emulsifier and helps harden the bar.
• Coconut oil: A natural moisturizer that softens skin.
• Olive oil: Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats to hydrate skin.
• Essential oils (optional): For fragrance and natural benefits. Lavender and lemon are great options.

Instructions

1. Gather ingredients and supplies: double boiler or saucepan, silicone mold or loaf pan, essential oils (if using), and containers for finished bars.
2. Combine beeswax, coconut oil, and olive oil in a double boiler or saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until melted. The typical ratio is 1 part beeswax to 3 parts coconut oil to 1 part olive oil. Adjust amounts to your desired firmness.
3. Remove from heat and add 10-15 drops of essential oil (if using). Stir to combine.
4. Carefully pour the mixture into your molds or loaf pan. Allow to harden completely, at least 6 hours or overnight.
5. Remove bars from molds and wrap them individually in wax or parchment paper. Use as needed by rubbing onto the skin, especially after bathing while the skin is still damp.
6. Lotion bars can last 6-12 months. Store at room temperature away from direct heat or sunlight.

Homemade lotion bars are a simple all-natural alternative to commercial lotions and creams. Customize the recipe by adding your favorite essential oils for a refreshing homemade gift. Your skin will thank you for the natural nourishment and moisture. Creating your own DIY bath and body products is a rewarding way to know exactly what’s in the items you use every day.

How to Start a DIY/Craft Blog: Tips for Beginners

To start a successful DIY/craft blog, follow these key tips:

Choose a focused theme or niche:

Decide on the specific type of DIY or craft content you want to focus on, such as home decor, gardening, cooking, woodworking, etc. This will make your blog cohesive and help you build an engaged audience. Promote your theme in your blog name, header, and content.

Develop an editorial calendar. Plan out your content in advance to keep you on schedule. Aim for 2-3 posts per week. Consider a mix of DIY tutorials, product reviews, interviews, and roundups. An editorial calendar will ensure you have a steady stream of content to publish.

Create eye-catching images:

Use high-quality photos to showcase your DIY and craft projects. Images should make up 50-75% of your post. Include step-by-step photos for tutorials, images of finished products, and pictures of any materials or tools used. Images significantly increase engagement and shares on social media.

Build your email list:

Start an email newsletter to stay in touch with your readers. Promote your newsletter in your blog posts and social media. Offer a lead magnet like a free ebook or video course to encourage signups. Email your subscribers regularly with blog updates, special offers, and exclusive content.

Promote on social media:

Share all of your blog posts on platforms like Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Engage with your followers by liking and commenting on their posts. Run social media contests and giveaways to increase shares and followers. Collaborate with other DIY/craft influencers for cross-promotion.

Continuously improve your content:

Pay attention to metrics like pageviews, time on page, and bounce rate to see how readers engage with your posts. Make improvements to underperforming content. Survey your email subscribers and social media followers to learn what types of content they want to see more of. Stay on top of trends in the DIY/craft space. With practice, your posts will become more engaging and helpful for your audience.

Following these tips will set you up for success as an authority in your chosen DIY or craft niche. Stay passionate, keep creating amazing content, and keep learning – that is the key to building a popular and rewarding blog.

Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a DIY Blogger

As a DIY blogger, no two days are exactly alike, but here’s a glimpse into a typical day behind the scenes.

\n\n### Morning Routine

The day starts early, around 6 am, to get in some quiet work before my kids wake up. I review comments on the blog and social media and respond to readers. Then I work on an upcoming blog post, drafting the content, selecting photos, and creating a featured image. Once the kids are up and fed, I pack their lunches and see them off to school.

\n\n###Administrative Tasks

With the house empty again, it’s time to tackle some administrative work. I go through my editorial calendar to make sure I’m on track for the month and reaching out to any brands I’m collaborating with. I also check website stats to see how traffic and pageviews are doing and make note of any popular posts to create more like them. Emails are also addressed, including connecting with PR reps, fellow bloggers, and readers.

\n\n###Content Creation

In the afternoon, I focus on creating content, which may include developing DIY home decor projects, recipes, or crafts to feature in blog posts and videos. I gather supplies, set up and shoot photos and footage, then start the actual making and creating. I aim to develop 2-3 new pieces of content each week to keep the blog and social channels active and fresh. Often my kids will join in after school to help out and learn some new skills.

\n\n### Evening Activities

After dinner is family time to unwind, then I’ll usually spend an hour or two in the evening editing photos, footage and blog posts. I also work on promotion by sharing recent and popular content on social media and connecting with other bloggers and influencers. Around 9 pm I call it a day to spend time relaxing with my family before starting it all over again the next morning.

The life of a DIY blogger is busy but rewarding. While no two days are the same, with organization and time management skills, you can run a successful blog from home. The flexibility and creativity involved in this career path lead to both an inspiring and balanced lifestyle.

FAQs From Readers: Answering Your Most Common Questions

\n\nBelow are the questions I receive most frequently from readers about Creations by Kara along with my responses:

How do you come up with ideas and inspiration for your DIY home decor and craft projects?

I find inspiration from many sources like nature, antique shops, magazines, Pinterest, decor trends, and my own personal style. I try to think of unique ways to repurpose materials or put an original spin on classic designs. Creativity comes from an open and curious mind – I’m always on the lookout for ideas I can customize and make my own.

2. What are your best tips for taking stylish photos of your DIY creations?

Use natural lighting whenever possible, like sunlight from a window. Make sure you have a simple, uncluttered background that won’t distract from your subject. Get close up and capture all the details – focus on the textures, colors and any handmade elements. Edit your photos to adjust the brightness, contrast and color saturation. Most importantly, take lots of shots from different angles so you have options to choose from!

3. How can I improve at DIY and crafting skills?

Start with easy beginner projects and work your way up as you build confidence and expertise. Watch online video tutorials to pick up new techniques. Try repurposing materials you already have on hand before buying new supplies. Get inspiration from sites like Pinterest but don’t be afraid to put your own unique twist on ideas. Learn through trial and error – don’t be too hard on yourself if a project doesn’t turn out as planned. With regular practice, your skills will improve over time.

4. Do you have any advice for starting a DIY blog or Etsy shop?

Share high quality photos and provide detailed tutorials to build value for your readers and customers. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and featuring their creations. Build your email list and social media following to stay connected with fans. Sell your handmade goods at local craft fairs to gain exposure. Collaborate with other bloggers and makers. Most of all, be authentic by blogging or selling items you genuinely love creating! With passion and consistency, you can turn your hobby into a business.

DIY Blog Roundup: My Favorite Posts From the Past Year

Over the past year, I have shared many of my favorite DIY home decor, recipe, and craft projects on Creations by Kara. As 2020 comes to a close, I wanted to round up some of my top posts from the last 12 months. The following are a few of my most popular projects, as well as some personal favorites.

DIY Wooden Crate Storage Bins

These rustic storage crates made from wooden boards and dowels have been a reader favorite. They are perfect for corralling items in a closet, mudroom, or kid’s room. The crates can be customized by painting them or decorating them with stencils. They make a great beginner woodworking project.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Is there anything better than the smell of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home? My recipe for homemade cinnamon rolls with a cream cheese icing is always a hit. The dough comes together easily in a stand mixer and the results are pillowy soft rolls bursting with a cinnamon sugar filling.

Watercolor Floral Hoop Art

Bring some floral cheer to your walls with this watercolor hoop art project. All you need is a wooden embroidery hoop, watercolor paper, paints, and brushes. Simply paint an arrangement of your favorite flowers, mount the paper in the hoop, and display. These make lovely handmade gifts as well.

DIY Apothecary Jar Storage

Repurposed glass apothecary jars are a stylish way to store items in your bathroom, pantry, or craft room. Clean and label the jars, fill them with cotton balls, q-tips, pasta, beans, or craft supplies. Group them together on a tray or shelf for a coordinated look. The jar storage possibilities are endless!

As I reflect back on the year, I am grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for DIY projects, cooking, and creativity with you. I look forward to bringing you many new tutorials, recipes, and home decor inspiration in 2021. Please let me know if there are any projects you would like to see on Creations by Kara next year!

Conclusion

As you have seen through the creative ideas and tutorials featured on Creations by Kara, transforming your living space can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. By putting in the effort to make your home decor and craft projects a personal expression of your unique style, you are creating an environment that nourishes your wellbeing. Though the road to mastering new skills and techniques may require patience and practice, the end result of handmade home accents and decorative touches that reflect your own vision will make the journey worthwhile. With the inspiration and guidance provided in each post, you now have the tools and confidence to embark on your own DIY adventures. Make your home your sanctuary and find fulfillment in the simple acts of creating. The possibilities for customization and crafting are endless.