Grocery store flowers don’t always get the attention they deserve. But with a little creativity, you can turn them into gorgeous, high-end bouquets. Whether you’re making a gift for a special occasion or just want a beautiful floral arrangement at home, here’s how to elevate budget-friendly flowers into something truly special.

Choose a Colour Palette

The secret to making any bouquet look expensive is a well-thought-out color palette. Stick to soft pastels for a feminine vibe, bold jewel tones in complimentary colours for drama, or neutrals if you want to play it safe. Keeping your colors harmonious makes the bouquet look intentional and polished.

Mix Different Flowers for Depth and Interest

To create a balanced and eye-catching arrangement, include a variety of sizes of flowers and textures. Try this formula:

• One large focal flower – Think roses, hydrangeas, lilies or peonies to serve as the bouquet’s centerpiece.
• Two smaller supporting flowers – Alstroemeria, carnations, baby’s breath, ranunculus, snapdragons or spray roses add texture and variety.
• Extra greenery – Eucalyptus is always great choice; it smells amazing, adds movement and texture, and can even be dried for later use in home decor.

Related: 10 Secrets to Make Your Cut Flowers Last Way Longer

Arrange Like a Pro

Once you’ve picked your flowers and materials, follow these steps:

• Trim the stems at an angle to help them absorb water better.
• Remove excess leaves for a clean, refined look.
• Use a clean, dry vase and arrange your flowers, making sure that they are all a similar length, and the finished product looks balanced and full.

Upgrade the Wrapping for a Luxe Look

Most grocery store flowers come in plastic, which can make even the prettiest blooms look cheap. Swap it out for:

• Tissue paper – A white or pastel layer gives a soft, elegant touch. Double up the tissue paper for durability.
• Kraft paper – A simple brown paper wrap makes the bouquet look chic and professional.
• Jute twine or ribbon – Ditch the rubber bands and use natural twine or a stylish ribbon to tie it all together.

Wrap them neatly in tissue and kraft paper, folding the edges for a polished effect.  Secure with twine or ribbon, tying a bow for the perfect finishing touch.

Your designer-style bouquet is ready to impress! If you used eucalyptus, you can dry and repurpose it even after the flowers fade, giving your arrangement a thoughtful, lasting touch.

With just a few simple tricks, you can turn affordable grocery store flowers into a stunning, high-end bouquet without the expensive price tag. The key is in a thoughtful colour palette, mixing textures, and paying attention to the details.

Want to make your besties feel extra loved this Galentine’s Day? Grab your watercolours because we’re whipping up the cutest DIY card! In this step-by-step watercolour tutorial, we’ll paint two adorable teacups — covered with hearts and topped off with dreamy rose-gold details. And to tie it all together? The perfect pun: “BES-TEAS” at the bottom. 

Materials You’ll Need:

• Round watercolour brushes (size 6 and 2)
• 20/0 liner brush
• 100% cotton watercolour paper
• Blank card & envelope
• A glass of water
• Paper towel (for blotting)
• Glue stick or tape

Watercolour Paint Colours:

• Cadmium Red Deep (Orangey Red)
• Alizarin Crimson (Deep Cool Red)
• Permanent Rose (Bright Pink)
• Quinacridone Magenta (Magenta)
• Permanent Violet (Dark Purple)
• Rose Gold metallic

Related: Galentine’s DIY: Make Custom Candles to Celebrate Love

Step 1: Base Layer – The Red Teacup

Using the number 6 brush, sketch out a round teacup shape with a light wash of cadmium red deep, and fill it in completely.  Don’t forget to add a cute little handle and a base to match.  Let it dry completely before moving on.

Step 2: Base Layer – The Pink Teacup

Beside the red cup, sketch out a second teacup in a different style with a light wash of permanent rose. I added a scalloped top and matching base, along with a swirly handle to add some extra character. Allow it to dry fully before adding more paint on top.

Step 3: Adding Depth to the Red Teacup

Once the base layer is dry, use a slightly more saturated mixture of water and alizarin crimson to add shading along the edges and bottom of the teacup. Let it dry completely.

Step 4: Adding Depth to the Pink Teacup

Deepen the shadows of the pink teacup by layering a slightly more saturated mix of water and quinacridone magenta at the base and edges. Let it dry.

Related: You’ll Only Need Pool Noodles to Make this DIY Wall Art – Home Network

Step 5: Painting the Hearts

Using your size 2 round brush, mix alizarin crimson with a little bit of water for a very saturated, vibrant red. Carefully paint the small heart designs on each cup. Let it dry.

Step 6: Adding the darkest Shadows and Details

Using quinacridone magenta, add in the darkest details to the shadowy areas of the red cup.  Do the same with permanent violet for the pink cup. This third layer of shading creates even more depth to your painting.

Step 7: Metallic Rose-Gold Details

With a clean liner brush, use rose gold metallic paint to add some heart-shaped steam, some tea bags, and then carefully paint the word “BES-TEAS” at the bottom of the card. Let it dry completely.

Step 8: Final Touches

Once everything is dry, tape or glue your painting to the front of your blank card. Using the rose gold metallic paint, write “I’ll always spill to you first” on the inside of your card.  Don’t forget to sign your name and to write a heartfelt message to your bestie letting them know how much you love them!

Related: Pink Home Decor Items You Didn’t Know You Needed

Bring holiday cheer to your tree with a charming, needle-felted gingerbread house ornament. This easy DIY project is perfect for adding a handmade touch to your Christmas decorations. Follow these simple steps to craft your very own heirloom ornament this holiday season:

@hgtvcanada

Tis the season for festive DIY ornaments 🤩✨🎄 @Courtney Naray #DIY #ornaments #christmas #holidays #festive #decoration

♬ We Wish You a Merry Christmas – Alexander Smith & Mark Fabian & Richard Kimmings

Materials Required:

• Wool roving in brown, white, green & red
• Felting needle
• Felting pad
• Scissors
• Silver thread
• Embroidery needle
• Ribbon

Step 1: Prepare the Base Shape

Start by shaping the main body of the gingerbread house. Take a handful of brown wool roving and form it into a rectangle. Place the shape on your felting pad and use your felting needle to repeatedly poke the wool, compressing the fibers until the rectangle becomes firm and holds its shape. Rotate the piece as you work to ensure even felting on all sides.

Step 2: Create the Roof

To make the roof, pull apart a smaller amount of brown wool roving and shape it into a triangle. Attach the triangle to the top of the rectangular base by layering the fibers together and felting them into place with your needle. Continue poking around the edges and surface to secure the roof and smooth out the connections.

Step 3: Add the Details

White details bring the gingerbread house to life! Take a small amount of white wool roving and gently form it into shapes for the doors and windows. Use your needle to secure the fibers and create defined shapes. Then, take some thin strips for the roof’s snow. Lay the strips along the edges of the roof and felt them down. For extra texture, you can add a few wavy lines to mimic icicles.

Step 4: Add More Details

Enhance the ornament’s charm by adding intricate details to the windows and doors. Use metallic embroidery thread and an embroidery needle to stitch outlines, frames or decorative patterns. This step adds sparkle and highlights to your gingerbread house.

Step 5: Make a Felted Wreath

Add a festive wreath to your gingerbread house. Use green wool roving to create a small circular shape. Felt it tightly to maintain its form, then use red wool roving to fashion a tiny bow. Attach the bow to the top of the wreath by felting it into place. Secure the wreath to the front of the house by felting it onto your desired spot.

Step 6: Attach the Hanging Loop

Cut a piece of ribbon approximately eight inches long. Use your embroidery thread to attach it to the top of the gingerbread house, just behind the roof’s peak.

Your needle-felted gingerbread house ornament is now complete! Hang it on your Christmas tree, gift it to a loved one or use it as a festive embellishment on holiday gifts.

This holiday season, take your staircase to the next level with a lush, dramatic garland made using a surprising secret weapon — a pool noodle! This affordable DIY pool noodle garland is easy, fun and completely customizable. Here’s how to create your own showstopping masterpiece for the holidays:

@hgtvcanada

Using a pool noodle for your garland is the ultimate festive decor hack 😍 @Courtney Naray #DIY #garland #christmas #holidaydecor #hack

♬ sunet original – 🎄CHRISTMAS☃️

Materials Required:

• 1 pool noodle
• Zip ties 
• Fir branches (grab free off-cuts from your Christmas tree)
• Cedar stems
• Pruning shears
• Gold beaded garland
• Glass gold star ornaments
• Battery-operated twinkle lights
• 2” satin ribbon (for bows)
• Scissors

Step 1: Attach Your Pool Noodle

First, slice the pool noodle lengthwise. Position it snugly along the top of your banister, with the cut side facing down. Secure it in place using zip ties, spacing them about 12 inches apart. This base will anchor all of the festive greenery and decorations.

Step 2: Gather and Trim Your Greenery

If you get a real Christmas tree for your house, ask for the off-cuts from the bottom — they’re usually free and perfect for this project! Pair them with some cedar stems for added texture and draping. Otherwise, you can pick up fresh greenery from most grocery stores this time of year.

Using pruning shears, trim the branches into smaller sections, roughly 8-12 inches long. You want pieces that are easy to handle but full enough to create a fluffy look.

Step 3: Build Your Pool Noodle Garland

Start at one end of the banister and insert the cut ends of the fir branches into the slit of the pool noodle. Work in sections, alternating with cedar stems to create dimension. Layer generously until the entire pool noodle is covered.

Pro tip: Stand back occasionally to check your progress, finding bald spots to ensure an even, full look.

Step 4: Add the Gold Beaded Garland

Take your gold beaded garland and drape it loosely around the greenery. Let it swoop and sag between sections for a touch of sparkle and movement. Secure the garland in place by tucking it into the greenery or using small zip ties if needed.

Step 5: Customize Your Pool Noodle Garland

Next, tuck in a few pretty ornaments. Use more stems to help hold them in place, ensuring they’re secure and visible.

Then, weave a string of battery-operated twinkle lights through the garland. Position the lights to highlight the ornaments and greenery, leaving the battery pack discreetly tucked at the base.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

For the grand finale, create two large satin bows — one for the top of the banister and one for the bottom. I did a double bow at the bottom for even more drama. Secure the bows with zip ties and adjust the ribbon tails so they cascade elegantly downwards.

Step 7: Admire Your Work

With the final touches in place, it’s time to snap a few pictures for the ‘gram and enjoy your beautifully-decorated space. The mix of lush greenery, shimmering gold accents and twinkling lights brings instant holiday magic to your home.

Originally published October 21, 2022, Updated October 21, 2024.

I don’t know about you, but my kids are at the BEST age for trick or treating, and the last thing I want to do is miss out on the fun! But I still want a fun way to greet trick-or-treaters who stop by our house while we’re out. Because our neighbourhood is always super busy with little ones and big kids at heart, a not-too-spooky treat station was in order.

I set out to create one with three things in mind: it had to be cheap, easy, and cute! This cute DIY Halloween candy stand doesn’t require much time, effort, or craft skills.  Without further adieu, here’s how to create the cutest Halloween candy stand for the little ghosts and goblins knocking at your door.

Materials Required:

• Small utility cart
• 2×4 lumber cut to 36 inches each 
• Large white Dollar Store plant pot
• Clear Dollar Store bowl
• Zip Ties
• 3x Drop Sheets
• Black Felt
• Scissors
• Drill

Step 1: Build the Stand

Drill some holes in the bottom of your plant pot so you can secure it to the top of the cart. I used a drill to make four holes, placed it on the cart’s top shelf and used zip ties to secure it.

I wanted my friendly ghost to have arms, so for this, I took a piece of 2×4 and attached it to the underside of the top shelf of the utility cart using more zip ties. The skeleton of the cart is done! Super easy, right?

Related: 4 DIY Pumpkin Decorations and Crafts Perfect for Your Fall Porch

Step 2: Make Your Friendly Ghost

Afterwords, take three white Dollar Store drop sheets (I used three because they were thin and a bit see-through on their own) and layered them on top of the zip-tie-cart creation. I took some scissors and rounded out the bottom edges of the sheets. Using some black felt, cut out two oval eyes and use a glue gun to stick them on for a minimal face. Isn’t he cute?

Related: How to Make an Easy Yarn Tassel Garland (With a Festive Twist!)

Step 3: Add the Final Touches

Finally, take a large bowl that fits in the top of the plant pot and press it down, securing the sheets and finishing your treat station.  Take the ghost candy stand outside and fill the bowl with candy. I styled him with a chalkboard sign, some pumpkins and a little treat bucket. And there you have it, the cutest DIY Halloween candy stand. Happy haunting! 

Images courtesy of Courtney Ryall

Are messy cords cluttering your otherwise perfect room design? Peel and stick cord covers are an easy, affordable solution to hide those unsightly cables in no time. You can even paint them to help them blend seamlessly into your walls. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you quickly hide those cords once and for all.

Materials Required:

• Paintable peel and stick cord cover kit
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Hand saw or utility knife
• Level
• Paint
• Paintbrush

Step 1: Measure and Plan

First, identify the path your cords will take along the wall. Use your measuring tape to determine the length of the cord cover you’ll need. Mark the start and end points lightly with a pencil. If you have any turns or corners, make sure to account for them in your measurements.

Step 2: Clean the Surface

The adhesive backing needs a clean surface to adhere to. Wipe down the area where you’ll be applying the cord covers with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris. Allow the surface to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Cut the Cord Covers

Using your measurements, cut the cord covers to the desired length with a hand saw or a utility knife. If you have corners or obstacles, you might need to cut smaller pieces and use corner connectors.

Step 4: Adhere the Cord Covers

Peel off the adhesive backing from the cord cover. Starting from one end, press the cover firmly against the wall, using a level to make sure it is straight. Smooth it down as you go to ensure it sticks evenly. Continue attaching your pieces until you have covered the entire cord path. Make sure any corners have enough space left for the cords to bend.

Step 5: Insert the Cords

Once the cord cover is securely in place, pry open the cover and insert your cords. Ensure the cords lay flat and aren’t bunched up inside the cover. Snap the cover shut. If you have any bends in your cord path, use the appropriate corner connectors to hide the seams.

Step 6: Paint the Cord Covers

If you’ve chosen paintable cord covers, now is the time to make them blend seamlessly with your wall. Apply the matching wall paint to the cover with a brush. Allow the first coat to dry before applying a second coat if necessary.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Neat and Tidy Space

With minimal effort and expense, you can make a big impact! Your home will be cord-free and looking fabulous in no time!

Tips and Tricks

Extra Adhesive: If you find the adhesive isn’t sticking well, you can use additional double-sided tape or adhesive strips for extra security.

Don’t forget to check back for more answers to your burning questions about real estate, design, home organization and all things DIY.

Hey there, weekend warriors! Ready for the best way to easily elevate any room? Picture frame moulding is an incredibly effective way to transform any room in an afternoon or two. Don’t break the bank hiring a pro – let’s dive into this super easy step-by-step guide on how to install your own DIY picture frame moulding!

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you kick off your DIY adventure, ensure you have all the necessary tools and supplies ready:

• Trim moulding (select a style that suits your taste)
• Laser level
• Pencil
• Mitre saw
• Brad nailer (and nails!)
• Safety glasses
• Wood Filler
• Paintable Caulk
• Paint

Step 2: Measure Twice, Cut Once

The golden rule of any DIY project! Measure the height and width of your walls, taking note of any outlets or switches.  Decide how tall and wide each of your panels will be and. Use your mitre saw to make 45-degree angle cuts on your trim for those clean and seamless corners. Take your time and don’t rush this part – precision is key.

Step 3: Mark Out Your Design

Grab that laser level and start mapping out your design on the wall. Picture frame moulding can be installed vertically, horizontally, or even in a grid pattern. The laser level will be your BFF in ensuring your lines are straight and your frames are level. 

Step 4: Secure Your Trim with a Brad Nailer

Place your trim pieces on the wall, using the laser level as your guide. Hold the trim firmly against the wall and fire away! Make sure to space your nails evenly along the trim to ensure a secure and snug fit. Pro tip: angle the nails slightly to provide extra support.

Step 5: Create a Seamless Look

Now that your trim is securely in place, it’s time to patch up those nail holes. Grab some wood filler or spackling and smooth it out. Once it dries, give it a light sanding to create a seamless finish.  Use caulk along all the edges to hide all of the seams, and smooth it out with your finger.

Step 6: Paint the Trim

Paint the trim the same colour as your wall to create a seamless, cohesive look that ties everything together. 

Allow it to dry, step back, and revel in the polished, Pinterest-worthy transformation you’ve achieved!

There you have it, DIY enthusiasts! With a bit of creativity and the right tools, you can easily elevate your space with picture frame moulding. So, put on your favourite playlist, roll up those sleeves, and let the transformation begin!

Create a simple and modern DIY Christmas village using 2×4’s and a touch of creativity. This step-by-step guide will show you how to create your own miniature winter wonderland to add a sprinkle of holiday magic to any corner of your home. And what makes this project even more special? It’s the perfect way to use up any scrap wood from older projects, making it eco-friendly and budget-friendly. Let’s get started on this fun and easy Christmas DIY project!

Related: 5 DIY Christmas Centrepieces That Come Together for $20 or Less

Materials Required:

• Scrap 2x4s
• Mitre saw
• Square
• Pencil
• Orbital sander (or a hand sander works great too!)
• 120 grit sandpaper
• Acrylic paint
• Palette
• Paintbrushes
• Washi tape
• Christmas decorations (bottle brush trees, baubles, fake snow, tinsel, twinkle lights)

Step 1: Decide How Many Houses Will Be in Your Display

To create a more visually pleasing display, aim for an odd number of houses. A set of three, five, or seven houses will provide an interesting and balanced look.  Take your scrap 2x4s and cut them into various lengths, between 4 and 6 inches long, depending on your preference.

Related: These Upcycled Festive Cookie Jars Are So Easy to Make

Step 2: Cut Out the House Shapes

Using a square and a pencil, mark out the top of each house, creating a triangular roof shape. Set your mitre saw to a 45-degree angle and carefully cut along the marked lines to create the roof shape for each house.

Step 3: Grab Your Sandpaper

Using an orbital sander or sandpaper,  sand down all of the sides and any sharp edges of the houses to give them a uniform surface to paint on.

Step 4: Prep for Paint

Decide on your desired paint scheme. You can create a “negative space” effect by taping off sections you want to remain unpainted. For mine, I taped off the roof, doors, and windows for some houses. Use washi tape to create clean, sharp lines between the painted and unpainted areas.

For a varied but cohesive effect, I opted to paint in the doors, windows and roof on some of the houses.

Related: Christmas Craft Ideas That Will Get You in the Holiday Spirit

Step 5: Let’s Paint!

It’s time to add some colour to your houses. A limited colour palette of 1-2 colours, or various shades of the same colour, works great for this project. Carefully apply the paint to your houses using a paintbrush. Make sure to let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: The Finishing Touches

Once your painted houses are dry, it’s time to peel away the washi tape to reveal your design.

Arrange your Christmas village using other decorations like bottle brush trees, Christmas baubles, fake snow, tinsel, and twinkle lights to complete the festive look.

To make your village truly your own, let your creativity flow. Add intricate details and designs to your houses. You can paint holiday decorations like wreaths on the doors or snowflakes on the roofs.

Your DIY Christmas village is now complete! Enjoy the holidays with this beautiful DIY addition to your home decor.

Images courtesy of Courtney Ryall

Many of us have furniture from IKEA kicking around. We brought them into our homes because the simple design was affordable and functional, but after a few years we’re ready for a change. The HEMNES line is made from solid wood and made to last, so getting rid of these pieces can really seem like a waste. Let’s keep those HEMNES TV Consoles out of the landfill and add a touch of trendy cane webbing, a coat of paint and some new hardware to bring it back to life…

Related: Simple IKEA Hack Evolves into Booming Business for Two People

Materials Required:

● Hemnes TV stand
● 1″ finger jointed pine
● Cane webbing
● New hardware
● TSP (or dish soap and vinegar)
● Wood filler
● Wood glue
● Chalk paint
● Finishing wax
● 5/8″ Brad nails
● 1/4″ staples
● Foam paint roller
● Paint brush
● Tape measure
● Safety glasses

Related: This Fearlessly Decorated Farmhouse by DIY Danie is Seriously Amazing

Tools Required:

● Mitre saw
● Brad nailer
● Staple gun
● Sander or sanding block

Step One: Prep
If your IKEA TV stand isn’t new, you’ll want to make sure it is free from grease and debris. Clean it down with TSP (or alternatively you can use a mixture of dish soap and vinegar).

Fill in the original hardware holes with wood filler and let dry before sanding down the entire piece with 120 and then 220 grit sandpaper.

Step Two: Paint
Use a small foam paint roller to apply two layers of chalk paint to your TV stand. Use a brush to get into tight corners. Apply your coats of paint 2-3 hours apart and once it’s fully dry, apply a finishing wax to protect it.

Step Three: Cut Trim
Take your pine lattice and cut to size using a mitre saw. Mitre the edges at 45 degrees and cut 2 pieces at 22″ long, and 2 pieces at 8″ long, for each drawer front. Give these pieces 2 coats of paint and let them dry.

Related: This Chill Condo Proves You’re Never Too Old for IKEA

Step Four: Soak Cane
Soak your cane webbing in warm water for 30 minutes. It is very stiff and rigid when it is dry, but will soften and expand in water. Soaking the cane not only makes it easier to work with, but once installed, it will shrink, smooth, and tighten as it dries.

Step Five: Cut and Install Cane
Cut your cane into rectangle pieces that are 21 x 7 inches. Centre these pieces on your drawer fronts and staple them into place using 1/4″ staples. Place a staple every 3 inches or so around the perimeter of the cane.

Related: Must-Know Reno Hacks That Will Save You Time and Money

Step Six: Install Trim
Place your trim pieces around the perimeter of your drawer fronts, covering the raw edge of the cane. Apply wood glue and set in place using 5/8″ brad nails.

Fill in any gaps and holes on your trim with wood filler. Let it dry and sand smooth. Then carefully go over with a coat of paint using a foam roller.

Related: How to Upcycle an Old Tire and Make a Cute Rope Ottoman in Just 4 Steps

Step Seven: Hardware
Install your drawer hardware.

Enjoy your new TV console while feeling great about upcycling something that might have otherwise ended up in the trash!

To watch Courtney complete this IKEA TV stand upcycling hack, check out the video below:

Related: Simple DIY Home Upgrades That Will Add Serious Value to Your Home

Images and video courtesy of Courtney Ryall