DIY Farmhouse Pictures for Spring... with free printable templates

I love adding seasonal decor to my home, but I don't like to spend a lot of money. So, DIYing simple items is one of my favourite things to do. I can create unique, fun, and trendy items... on a budget. Today, I'm sharing two super-easy DIY Farmhouse pictures for Spring I made using a free printable template I designed and some dollar store supplies.

I started with two wooden frames from the dollar store... one 8x10 and one 5x7. Then, I printed the pictures I designed in the corresponding sizes.

To download the 5X7 version of the "Hello Spring" sign I designed: click on the picture below, right click, save it to your computer, and print like a regular 4x6 photo.

To download the 8x10 version of the "Hello Spring" sign I designed: click on the picture below, right click, save it to your computer, and print like a regular 4x6 photo.

Then, once the pictures are framed, you can add embellishments. For my 8x10, I strung 5 pom poms onto three strings of yarn, and attached the garland to the top of the picture. Isn't it sweet?

Note: I used hot glue to attach the garland to the frame.

For my second picture, I cut some petals from pink felt, and I used hot glue to turn the petals into a flower. Then, I attached the flower (with hot glue) to the corner of the frame. I love the simplicity of this one, don't you?

I love both of these pictures so much. They are different colours and styles, but both are pretty and fun. Which one is your favourite?

Feel free to use your imagination and come up with your own design. Dollar store artificial flowers would work too. The template is pretty generic, so the possibilities are endless. Have fun with it!

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

You might also be interested in the simple DIY Spring wreaths I show you how to make here.

Simple DIY Candy Easter Basket

What is more fun than an Easter basket full of candy... an Easter basket MADE of candy (of course). This simple DIY uses dollar store supplies, and it is easy to make. This candy Easter basket is the perfect Easter treat for kids and adults. Keep reading for the step by step instructions... including and easy to follow video.

You'll need:

• 4 boxes of candy
• a pipe cleaner
• a box of Froot Loops
• glue gun
• Easter grass (optional)

Start by gluing the ends of the boxes with hot glue and forming the boxes into a square. Make sure the labels are facing out.

Flip the boxes upside down, and hot glue a piece of the cereal box to create a bottom for the box.

Then, make a handle by stringing Froot Loops onto a pipe cleaner. 

Use hot glue to secure the handle to the candy boxes.

Finish by filling the box with Easter grass and treats. Cute, right?!?

Check out this video for step by step instructions.

Isn't this an adorable way to share Easter treats? It's the perfect easy and inexpensive Easter DIY. Who will you share yours with?

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Find MORE fun Easter ideas here.

FOUR Easy Easter Crafts to Make... using jars

I love crafting with inexpensive supplies, and I have FOUR wonderful Easter DIY ideas to share today. They are all easy to make and use items you can find at the dollar store. They can be used as Easter basket treats, DIY gifts, and simple handmade decor. Take a look, and let me know which one is your favourite.

1) Easter cookie mix in a jar -- Every holiday requires a sweet treat, and Easter is no exception. I always enjoy baking Easter cookies with my kids, and I love sharing our sweet treats with friends and family. This Easter cookie mix jar is perfect for stocking a pantry, and it makes an adorable Easter gift too. You can find the full instructions and FREE printable gift tags here.

2) Chocolate bunny in a jar -- This chocolate bunny in a jar would be an adorable addition to an Easter basket. It makes fun decor and a wonderful gift too. Simply add some Easter grass, chocolate eggs, and a chocolate bunny to a jar. Cut a piece of scrapbooking paper for the lid, and embellish with some ribbon and twine. It's that easy!

3) Treat jar -- This is such a simple idea, but it is totally adorable. You can make this jar in minutes, and fill it with your favourite goodies. It would be great in an Easter basket, but it would be a fun gift to share with family and friends too. I even like it as a piece of Easter decor. Fill a jar with goodies, glue a plastic bunny (from the dollar store) to the top, and embellish with a piece of ribbon. Cute, right?!?

4) Painted jars - Holidays are a wonderful excuse to get crafty, and Easter is one of the best. Easter colours are fantastic, and what is cuter than bunnies and chicks? With a few dollar store supplies, you can easily transform an old jar into a delightful DIY Easter vase.You can find the step by step instructions for these adorable painted jars here.

I made a short video sharing these projects too. Check it out here:

Aren't these "jar" crafts the cutest?

Are you going to make any of these Easter DIYs this year? Which one is your favourite? I'm not sure I could pick just one... but I am on my second jar of cookie mix. 😉

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Find MORE fun Easter ideas here.

Easter Cookie Mix Jars... with free printable tags

Every holiday requires a sweet treat, and Easter is no exception. I always enjoy baking Easter cookies with my kids, and I love sharing our sweet treats with friends and family. This Easter cookie mix jar is perfect for stocking a pantry, and it makes an adorable Easter gift too.

Isn't this mason jar filled with Easter cookie mix super cute?

To make this "Easter Cookies Mix" jar:

1) Start with a clean 1L mason jar.

2) Layer the ingredients below (patting down each layer before adding the next one):

First layer: 1 3/4 cups flour, 3/4 tsp baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon salt
Second layer: 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
Third layer: 1/2 white sugar
Fourth layer: 1 cup of candy coated chocolate mini eggs

To make the process easy: use a wide-mouthed funnel to fill the jars, and make a tool to press down the layers. I attached a round piece of cardboard to the end of skewer and covered it all with tin foil.

3) Print off the cookie tag below, cut it to look like a tag, and attach it to the cookie jar with twine or ribbon. 

To download the tag: click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a 4x6 photo.

To bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Then, beat 3/4 cup softened butter, 1 large egg, and 3/4 teaspoon vanilla in a large mixing bowl until well blended. Add the jar of cookie mix, and stir with a wooden spoon until fully combined. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 9-12 minutes.

This cookies are soft and chewy... and sooooo delicious!

Isn't this an adorable Easter DIY? It's a fantastic Easter cookie recipe, and it's an easy, inexpensive and adorable homemade gift. If you give it a try, let me know what you think.

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Find MORE fun Easter ideas here.

"Bunny Butt" Easter Garden... made using dollar store supplies

I love cute seasonal decor... especially when I can make it myself (CHEAPLY) using dollar store supplies. This "bunny butt Easter garden" really is easy to make... and it is totally adorable!

First, you'll need to gather your supplies.

You'll need:

• yarn (I used grey)
• some sort of bucket/container (any kind will work)
• floral foam
• dollar store moss
• 4 dollar store carrots
• 4 toothpicks
• dollar store greenery (optional)
• scrap pieces of felt
• a white pom pom 
• scissors and a hot glue gun

1) You can leave the carrots as they are, or you can upgrade them by pulling out the tops and using hot glue to insert dollar store greenery.

2) Insert a piece of floral foam into the container.

3) Insert toothpicks into the ends of the carrots, insert the carrots into the floral foam, and cover the floral foam with dollar store moss. (You can glue it down if you like. I didn't in case I want to change up my arrangement next year.)

4) Make a large pom pom (for the bunny's butt) using yarn. Wrap the yarn around your hand 65-90 times (depending on the weight of the yarn), tie a strand of yarn around the centre of the ball of yarn, cut the loops, and trim the pom pom until it is round and fluffy.

If you have never made a pom pom before, you would like more instruction, you can watch a "how to make pom poms video" here.

5) Attach the pom pom to the edge of the bucket using hot glue. Then, attach a pom pom tail using more hot glue. Finish by attaching bunny feet. (I used felt, but you could foam or cardstock if that is what you have on hand.)

Seriously.... how cute is this project? It really is a fabulous piece of Easter / Spring decor that you can make for only a few dollars.

And... if you want to see a quick video before you make your own bunny butt Easter garden, check out the video below.

I set my garden beside this cute picture I made. You can find the FREE printable for this cute Easter photo here.

Don't you just love it? If you make one, send me a picture. I always love seeing the variations my readers come up with. And, of course, if you have any questions about this "bunny butt Easter garden" made using dollar store supplies, please let me know.

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Find MORE fun Easter ideas here.

DIY Dollar Store EASTER Pictures... with free printable photos

I love decorating for holidays, but because they pass so quickly, I never want to spend a lot of money on special decor. The dollar store provides a lot of inspiration, but some of the items are a little tacky. So.... it's always fun to do a little DIY to upgrade inexpensive dollar store finds. Today, I am sharing TWO simple and gorgeous Easter pictures that can EASILY be made using dollar store supplies. I'm sharing two FREE printables too!

To make both these Easter pictures, you'll need a couple of dollar store frames, some of these cute dollar store carrots, and the FREE printables I designed (below).

For the first picture:

1) Download the print I designed (below). Click on the picture, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it alike a regular 8x10 photo.

2) Place the photo into the frame.

3) Use hot glue to attach the dollar store carrots to the bottom of the photo.

For the second picture:

1) Download the print I designed (below). Click on the picture, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it alike a regular 8x10 photo.

2) Place the print in a dollar store frame.

Isn't this an easy DIY? I absolutely love both versions, don't you?

These pictures would look great with farmhouse decor, but they would look great with other styles too. I love how simple they are to make, but they really take dollar store items to a whole new level.

 ♥

Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

You can find more wonderful Easter ideas here.