Here’s how to make pomander balls, which are simply oranges pierced by cloves. As the orange dries, it will release a yummy citrus and spiced fragrance.

How To Make Pomander Balls

Supplies Needed:

• Oranges
• Whole cloves

Step – by – Step Directions:

Follow this simple set of directions to make your own pomander balls. If you’re making simple designs, each ball will take only a few minutes to make! Have fun and enjoy the process!

1. Stick the Clove in!  It is as simple as that. Use the sharp end of the clove to puncture and push in to the orange. Creating a design makes these beautiful, fun and even relaxing to create. Getting the kids involved in the pomander ball process can be a fun Christmas tradition to add to your holiday decor. There are really no rules to this besides to ENJOY the process and aroma as you make them.
2. Create designs.You can try designs such as  swirls, shapes, hearts and more. My kids liked putting their names in them and crosses for Jesus too.

How to Use Pomander Balls

Once you have created your pomander balls place them in places that spread their yummy smell and look beautiful. You can place them in a centerpiece on your dining room table with fairy lights, some greenery and candles.

You could also make ornaments for Christmas with them or even put them in a wreath or garland! They give such an organic, vintage and beautiful touch to your home. Where are you planning to put yours? I would love to know!

Drying Your Pomander Balls

To get the longest and best life out of these hang them up to dry a bit. As they dry they will become more aromatic and also it helps reduce any mold formation. The best time to create these is at the beginning of the Christmas season if you are making them for that otherwise enjoy them whenever you wish- that is what we do!

I hope learning How to Make Easy DIY Pomander Balls was a simple and fun DIY your family and YOURSELF will enjoy year after year!

Dovidenia. XO

If you like this DIY you may also like these:

Simple Fall Embroidery Hoop Wreath

Tied Fleece Blanket DIY

You also may love this fun DIY you can do with your kids!

The post How to Make Easy DIY Pomander Balls appeared first on Simple Acres Blog.

You have may have seen these before and wondered how you can make an embroidery hoop wreath yourself. It is quite easy!

This is what you what you will need:

• wooden embroidery hoop
• fake florals and pumpkins and foliage
• burlap ribbon
• wooden letters
• hot glue gun and glue
• scissors

First, you want to cut the ribbon to the length you would like for it to go across your soon to be wreath.

Once cut, glue the wood letters onto the center of the ribbon. Allow to dry and set 3-5 minutes.

While the ribbon is drying, you can now arrange and hot glue the foliage onto your door wreath.

Once your foliage has been glued on the embroidery hoop and dried you can now add hot glue to the back of the ribbon where it will attach to the hoop.

In just a few short minutes and simple supplies you have a nice fall embroidery wreath you can hang on a door or wall! If you love DIY decor or gifts I have several other things you may love to make!

Check out this cozy blanket you can make in minutes! It is one of the warmest blankets we own.

Another great fall project is decorating pumpkins! These painted pumpkins are beautiful on a porch or in your home.

Here is one more modern take on a Fall wreath!

Happy Fall! I hope you enjoy all this season brings and this embroidery hoop wreath DIY!  Dovidenia. XO

The post Simple Fall Embroidery Hoop Wreath appeared first on Simple Acres Blog.

This post contains affiliate links.

If you have little ones that want to create something special or you yourself like getting creative for your own mom this list of ideas is perfect!

10 Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

1. A gift that is useful but also perfect for getting creative is this tote. These totes are fun, simple and can be made so unique.

Handprint Tote Bags by Nifty Mom  (You can purchase the canvas totes here for your project.)

2. Photo Cube by Crafts by Amanda

3. Chocolate Bouquet by Tikkido

4. Handprint Wall Sign by the Idea Room

5. Natural Coasters by Garden Therapy

6. Jar Gift by Lil’ Luna

7. Fabric Covered Vases by i Heart Naptime

8. Does your mom like to relax with an evening bath and a book? If so these DIY bath bombs are a perfect handmade gift!

Lemon Bath Bombs by a Pumpkin and a Princess

9. We LOVE art around here and painting is my utmost favorite thing. If you know a mom who loves to paint these inspired mugs would be perfect and a fun project to create.

Marbled Mugs by DIY Candy

10. Dishes are always fun to make, use and display. These fun dishes were made by some of my friends at Lolly Jane.

Polka Dot Ring Dishes by Lolly Jane

Whether you plan to give your mom a card and flowers or a hand crafted gift its the love that matters most! I hope the 10 Mother’s Day gift ideas help inspire you. Wishing all the moms out there an amazing day! Dovidenia. XO

Here are a few BONUS ideas for gifts!

DIY Wood Burned Appetizer Tray

Tied Fleece Blanket DIY

How to Make Painted Rocks

The post 10 Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day appeared first on Simple Acres Blog.

Often people think that November is the only time to focus on gratitude but I believe it is a year long affair that raises kids and even ourselves to a happy and better attitude in life.

15 Ways to Teach Gratitude to Kids

1. The first simple ideas for gratitude is to create a place on a wall where the family can express gratitude daily in a visual way. Just looking at the wall is uplifting and also serves as a reminder of the good things in ones life.

2. You can make a gratitude tree with your kids. This is a simple craft that is fun and hands on. It leaves your child with a piece of art that they can be proud of.

3. Another idea is to make a gratitude chain craft. Check out this article to learn how.

4. Keep a gratitude journal! Journaling what we are thankful for is a wonderful habit to teach. Learning more about journaling and prompts to inspire gratitude in your child.

5. Do you ever just take the time to reflect and chat about gratitude with your kids? This is one of the most simplest ways to instill gratitude. Here are some gratitude conversation starter ideas here.

6. Make a gratitude garland. You can use and shapes you want to then write something you are thankful for on it daily.

7. Gratitude stones are another great way to practice reflecting on thing you are thankful plus the kids will love painting art on their rocks.

8. Printables for Thanksgiving time are always handy that time of year.

9. Using a Daily Gratitude List printable is another wonderful and convenient tool you can use with your family to bring focus back to being thankful.

10. A kid specific gratitude journal is a tool mentioned in this article. Click through the link to learn more.

The remaining 5 activities to teach gratitude are journals, trees for thanksgiving and year round, a photo scavenger hunt, creating traditions, clay gratitude ornaments and a nature scavenger hunt that all about self reflection and gratitude great for the whole family!

There are SO many ways to teach gratitude! I heard once that the secret to TRUE happiness in life has nothing to do with material things and all to do with attitude. Gratitude is the key to happiness! I hope you enjoy some of these activities. Dovidenia. XO

The post 15 Best Gratitude Activities for Kids appeared first on Simple Acres Blog.

I can see it now. I’m sitting in a circle surrounded by others. With a shamefaced frown I stand up and speak, “My name is Stefanie and…and…I’m addicted to interior DECORATING! There I said it! I can’t stop. The deals, the sales at vintage stores, the new seasonal Target line…I can’t stop the intense craving to decorate and change the colors and style of my home. I NEED HELP! The new rugs at World Market are whispering my name in my sleep!” OK. I am joking BUT not really. I have experienced the intense love and obsession with decor through my life with excessive spending to support that love. Simple Acres is MY circle and “support group”. It is not only a resource for you my friends but it is a motivator for me toward the more frugal, resourceful, simplified and content life I strive for. So here we are. How to decorate on a budget.

What I have found is we have so many things in our home that can be re-purposed and reused. These many things can serve as the beginnings to all sorts of fun, new and BEAUTIFUL decor creations for the home. Look forward to more fun ways to reduce waste, save money and decorate to your hearts desire here at Simple Acres.

Up-Cycled Home Decor Materials:

• Used jars (Mason, spaghetti jars, wine bottles)
• A roll of twine, rope and ribbon
• Hot glue and gun

Directions

1. Clean the jars and remove all paper, residue and glue. For a natural, non-toxic and affordable cleaner click here.

2. Start at the base of the jar. While securing the rope with hot glue at the base, start placing glue on the jar as you wrap the twine around the jar until the entire jar is covered to the top.

3. You can braid the twine and create a thicker rope to wrap the jar. You can create patterns by using different ribbon and rope as well.

I am in love with the black and white tribal southwestern style in this season of life thus that was the vibe I chose. The great thing with up-cycled decor is because it is extremely affordable it is not much of a loss to choose themes more “trendy” that may not be to your liking in the coming months or years. For inspiration in kitchen decor you can review this simple timeless tips as well as my Instagram has inspiration with this specific post.

There you have it my fellow decorating addicts! I hope you enjoyed this quick way to decorate your home on a budget. Dovidenia. XO

The post Here’s a Quick Way to Decorate Your Home on a Budget appeared first on Simple Acres Blog.

Here is a list of Valentine’s Day projects:

Framed Heart Valentine’s Day Décor by the Idea Room

Paper Straw Heart Wreath by Mod Podge Rocks

Valentine’s Day Love Letter Mantel Décor by Lolly Jane

Valentine Chalk Board by Yellow Bliss Road

DIY Love Sign by Landee Lu

Felt Topiary by Simply Designing

Valentine Wrapped Mason Jars by Homemade Ginger

Anthropology Inspired Valentine Tea Towel by Uncommon Designs

Valentine Heart Paint Chip Banner by My Sister’s Suitcase

Valentine Wreath by Shaken Together Life

Valentine’s Day is a time to make the ones you love feel special. I hope the projects, recipes and decor ideas all help you have one of the most special Valentine’s Days ever! Dovidenia. XO

Here are a few other Valentine’s ideas you may love:

15 Simple Heart Crafts for Kids

Paper Valentine’s Banner

Homemade Valentine Card Bags

The post 10 Simple Valentine’s Day Decor Projects appeared first on Simple Acres Blog.

One fun factor to use when making crafts with kids is capturing their age as a special memory. Fingerprint and hand print projects are always perfect to make special keepsakes.

Check out these two crafts using hand print and fingerprints:

Fingerprint Heart Frame from Mommy’s Bundle

Valentine Hand Print Craft Tree with Fingerprint Hearts from Fun-A-Day

Spin art is SO fun and creates really pretty art!

Check out these Gorgeous Spin Art Hearts Painting Activity for Kids from Left Brain Craft Brain

Here is another project that uses a picture to make it that much more special. The “Piece of my Heart” Kid Valentine Card Craft from The Soccer Mom Blog ends up SO cute once created!

Below is a list of more craft projects you can enjoy making with your kids:

Simple Valentine’s Heart Suncatcher from Happiness is Homemade

Textured Yard Valentine Heart Craft from About a Mom

I “Chews” You Valentine Craft from All for the Boys

Mosaic Heart Valentine’s Day Banner from Raising Whasians

Wood Valentine Heart Craft from Jinxy Kids

Pasta Valentine’s Heart Craft for Kids from Cutefetti

Easy and Cute Valentine’s Day Heart Craft For Kids from Simply Today Life

Love Bug Valentine’s Craft from Mommy’s Bundle

Quick Heart Shaped Pom Pom Wreath from We Know Stuff

Piece of My Heart Valentine’s Day Craft from This Worthy Read

Easy Valentine Crafts for Preschoolers: Fingerprint Vase from The Simple Parent

For more Velentine’s Day inspiration you may also like these Valentine Heart Cookies:

Heart Valentine Cookies

Happy Valentine’s Day! Dovidenia. XO

The post 15 Simple Heart Crafts for Kids appeared first on Simple Acres Blog.

This article is a collaboration of projects that will hopefully suite your interests with all it’s variety.

Here is an Easy to Make Valentine’s Day Love Sign from Centsible Chateau

Valentine Mason Jar Luminaries from Mom Spark

Valentine DIY Lotion Bars from That’s What Che Said

Valentines Day Jewelry from Faithfully Free

If you like the looks of these I am sure you will also enjoy making some of these other Valentine’s Projects:

DIY Valentine’s Day Candy Jars from Eat Move Make
DIY Cupid’s Arrow Valentine Decor Craft from Thrifty Jinxy
Valentine’s Day Door Wreath DIY from Oh So Savvy Mom
DIY Mason Jar Candles from Happiness is Homemade
Handmade Valentine’s Day Pennant Banner from Lady and the Blog
DIY Vanilla Love Sugar Scrub for Valentine’s Day from Happy Mothering
DIY Valentine’s Sharpie Mug Life is Sweeter by Design
DIY Valentines Day Mantel Decor from Close to Home
DIY Rustic Valentine’s Decor from Family Focus Blog
Valentine’s Day Felt Topiary from Simply Designing
XOXO Valentine’s Day Decorations from Play Party Plan

Whether you are making a gift or just wanting to spruce up your home for the Valentine’s season I hope you enjoy creating some of these ideas! Dovidenia. XO

If you are looking for a few other inspirations for this holiday you may enjoy making these Valentine’s cookies:

Heart Valentine Cookies

These watercolor Valentine’s banners are also beautiful and easy to make!

Paper Valentine’s Banner

If you need a last minute and affordable Valentine’s mail box here is an idea:

Homemade Valentine Card Bags

Lastly, If you are looking for Valentine’s activities for the kids this is another great collaboration of 9 ideas for your kids.

https://mamainthenow.com/valentines-day-kids-crafts/

The post 15 Valentine’s Projects You Can Do Yourself appeared first on Simple Acres Blog.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Here is all you will need to make your own tied fleece blanket:

• 2 sheets of fleece. These pieces are the same size and to the size of your preference.
• Sharp fabric scissors.

Here is HOW to make your fleece blanket:

1. The first step is laying out your fleece one sheet on top of the other. Make sure it is matched up and the top of your fleece is faced out on each side.

2. Once laid out and lined up you can cut sliced around the parameter of the blanket about 1 inch wide and 2-3 inches deep.

3. Once the whole edge is cut, go back and tie each two strand set that lays on top of each other. This will connect the blanket.

4. Pick that blanket up that took mere minutes to make and get COZY!

These tied fleece blankets can look nice as decor as well depending on what fabric patterns you choose!

These are some of the warmest and softest blankets in our home! If you love all things cozy and hygge you may love this article on how to achieve more of it in your life.

For more fun DIY projects start here:

Valentine Pillows – No Sew Fleece Tie Heart Pillows

Dovidenia my friends and stay warm and cozy! Over and out. XO

The post Tied Fleece Blanket DIY appeared first on Simple Acres Blog.

This post contains affiliate links.

My Glitter Ombre Pumpkin DIY is the perfect Autumn Pumpkin Makeover plan for those of us lovely creatives short on time who love to decorate simply.

Materials Needed

• Pumpkins of varied sizes and shapes
• White and gold spray paint
• Gold and silver glitter
• Self adhesive spray (optional)
• Painters tape (optional)

The picture above is my norm pumpkin effort, but this year I thought I would step up my game with a few simple additions.

Glitter Ombre Pumpkin DIY Instructions

1. Start with a variety of different pumpkins.
2. Wash them off.

3. Search your house for random spray paint and glitter. Gather up painters tape if you have it.

4. Tape the stems if you would like them to stay natural color.
5. Start painting the tops of your pumpkins a white or gold paint and then spray the bottom the opposite color. Use distant strokes for a blended ombre effect.

6. Sprinkle glitter on top of pumpkin. At first I used self adhesive spray but the wet paint worked great with out it!

That is it my friends! Easy as PUNKIN’ PIE!

P.S. If you are Fall obsessed such as me you may love some of my favorite Fall things as well! I love cozying up to a great book this time of year with a yummy warm drink. Chai tea is one of my favorites!

Decorating my home in the Fall is one of my favorite things to do! Look at this cute Fall leaf garland that lights up.

I am eyeing this Fall watercolor inspired pillow.

My favorite thing to wear this season is awesome flannel shirts as you can see here.

View this post on Instagram

Lovin my $11 #plaid shirt! It's the #simple things that make me #happyhappy #fallfashion #fallfun #blogger #simpleacresblog

A post shared by Stefanie at Simple Acres (@simpleacresblog) on Sep 4, 2015 at 7:24pm PDT

And of course comfy jeans! Shop Amazon Fashion – Levi’s Jeans

What is your favorite thing about Fall?

P.S. x 2 -Thank you Kasey from All Things Mamma for inspiring me on this one!

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