### **DIY Fairy Lanterns**

Add a magical glow to your garden or home with charming fairy lanterns. These twinkling creations look like they hold tiny fairies inside, bringing an ethereal touch to any space.

 

You’ll Need:

- Mason jars or glass containers

- Fine glitter in your favorite colors

- Battery-operated LED tea lights or fairy string lights

- Silhouettes of fairies (printable cutouts or drawn on black paper)

- Tissue paper or frosted glass spray

- Glue (Mod Podge works well) and a small brush

- Ribbon, twine, or artificial greenery for decoration

 

Steps:

1. If using tissue paper, line the inside of your jar with it for a frosted effect. Or, spray the outside with frosted glass spray for a soft glow.

2. Attach the fairy silhouette to the inside of the jar. If inside-wall crafting feels tricky, gluing it outside works too!

3. Brush some glue around the inside edges and sprinkle glitter for that extra sparkle.

4. Place the LED tea light or fairy string lights inside the jar, ensuring the light enhances the silhouette and creates that magical glow.

5. Finally, decorate the outside of the jar with ribbon, twine, or artificial greenery. You can even add small charms or stickers to really bring the fantasy theme to life.

 

Your fairy lanterns are now ready to enchant any space—perfect for garden paths, bedside tables, or even as unique gifts!

“Flowers are one of nature’s most enchanting creations, but their beauty often feels fleeting. What if you could preserve those vibrant blooms and keep their magic alive for months to come? This DIY project offers a simple, creative way to turn your favorite flowers into timeless keepsakes using baby oil. Whether it’s a cherished bouquet or a handful of garden blossoms, this guide will show you how to capture their charm in a bottle!”

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies**

You’ll need fresh flowers, baby oil, a small, clean glass jar or container, scissors, tweezers, and optional embellishments like glitter or small crystals to personalize your project.

 

Step 2: Select and Prepare Your Flowers**

Choose healthy, fresh flowers with vibrant colors. Trim the stems to your preferred length and remove any leaves that might fall below the level of the oil in your jar. For larger flowers, you may want to press them slightly to flatten the petals.

 

Step 3: Dry the Flowers**

Ensure that your flowers are completely dry to prevent any moisture from affecting the preservation process. You can air-dry them for a day or gently press them with a book between parchment paper for quicker results.

 

Step 4: Arrange the Flowers**

Use tweezers to gently position your flowers in the jar the way you want them displayed. Play around with the arrangement until it meets your creative vision.

 

Step 5: Add the Baby Oil

Carefully pour baby oil into the jar, fully submerging the flowers. Tilt the jar slightly to release any air bubbles trapped around the petals. Leave a bit of space at the top of the jar before sealing it.

 

How Long Will It Last?

Preserved flowers in baby oil can last up to a year or more if stored properly. Over time, the colors may fade slightly, but the delicate beauty of your arrangement will remain intact.

Preserving flowers with baby oil is not just a fun DIY project—it’s a way to bottle up special moments and keep them alive a little longer. Whether it’s a keepsake bouquet or vibrant blooms from your garden, this simple method transforms flowers into timeless decor. So grab your favorite blooms, gather your supplies, and let your creativity flow. Every jar you make is its own little world of beauty, ready to brighten your space and your day.”

### DIY Pressed Flower Art

 

Introduction**:

Pressed flower art is a fantastic way to showcase the delicate beauty of flowers while preserving them for display. Whether you create bookmarks, framed art, or greeting cards, the possibilities are endless with this simple and elegant craft.

 

You’ll Need:**

- Fresh flowers (thin blooms or small petals work best)

- Heavy books or a flower press

- Parchment paper or wax paper

- Cardstock, blank canvases, or photo frames

- White glue, Mod Podge, or double-sided tape

 

Steps:**

1. First, select flowers that are small and not overly thick for better results when pressing. Trim their stems and leaves as needed.

2. Place the flowers between parchment or wax paper to protect their delicate petals.

3. Sandwich the flowers and paper between the pages of a heavy book or use a flower press. Add extra weight on top (like more books) for better pressing.

4. Leave the flowers to press for a week or two, until they are fully dried and flat

 

Step 5: Assemble Your Pressed Flower Art**

1. Once the flowers are fully dried and flattened, carefully take them out of the book or press using tweezers to avoid damaging them.

2. Arrange the flowers on your chosen surface—cardstock, canvas, or even inside a photo frame. Play around with layouts before securing them in place.

 

Step 6: Adhere the Flowers**

1. Use a clear adhesive like Mod Podge (great for a smooth finish) or a high-quality, acid-free craft glue to attach your flowers.

2. Apply a thin layer to the back of each flower with a small brush or a toothpick and press it lightly onto the surface.

3. If you're sealing the entire piece, brush a light coating of Mod Podge over the finished arrangement to protect it.

 

"Crafting with natural elements, like flowers, brings a sense of serenity and creativity to our lives. Whether you're preserving blooms with baby oil, shaping homemade air-dry clay, or showcasing pressed flowers in art, these DIYs offer a way to blend beauty and meaning into your projects. Each craft is more than just an activity—it’s a chance to capture memories, express your individuality, and infuse a touch of magic into your everyday. So gather your supplies, experiment with your designs, and let your imagination bloom!"

Creating homemade air-dry clay is not only a fun and affordable activity, but it also allows you to craft endless projects like ornaments, trinket dishes, or sculptures. Whether you prefer a quick, stovetop recipe or a no-heat option, this guide has you covered. Here are two simple methods to make air-dry clay using basic ingredients you probably already have at home.

 

### **Option 1: Stovetop Cornstarch Clay**

 

You’ll Need:**

- 1 cup cornstarch

- 2 cups baking soda

- 1 ½ cups water

- Food coloring (optional)

 

Steps:**

1. In a medium-sized pot, mix the cornstarch and baking soda together.

2. Slowly add the water while stirring to create a smooth mixture.

3. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly.

4. The clay will start to thicken and form a dough—this happens quickly, so don’t walk away!

5. Once the mixture pulls away from the pot and forms a ball, remove it

 

### **Option 2: No-Cook Flour Clay**

 

You’ll Need:**

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup salt

- 1 cup water

- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil (optional, for smoother texture)

 

Steps:**

1. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl until evenly combined.

2. Gradually add the water and mix with your hands until a dough forms.

3. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in small amounts of flour until it’s easy to handle. Alternatively, if it's too dry, add a splash of water.

4. Optional: Knead in the vegetable oil for extra smoothness.

5. Once the dough feels pliable but firm, it’s ready to use. Shape it into your desired creations and let air-dry for 24-48 hours.

 

### Final Touches

Both versions of air-dry clay can be painted once they’re fully dry. Use acrylic paints or seal your finished pieces with a clear varnish for durability.