The popularity of DIY home décor is on the rise, and it’s easy to see why! It allows you to customize your space, and because it’s budget-friendly, you can update your living area as often as you like. Today we wanted to share some decorating tips and inspiration for easy home accents you can create yourself.

Let nature be your guide

The weather is warm, so head outside for some inspiration! Take some close-up photos of animals, trees or even street signs – you can showcase them in a custom frame or transfer the images to paper and embellish everything from fabric to furniture.

Give your furniture a facelift

Don’t retire an old piece of furniture just yet! Some sanding, primer and paint will make it as good as new. You can even decoupage pretty papers to the fronts or insides of dresser drawers and try new knobs to add decorative character.

Revamp your tabletops

Add a custom touch to a simple end table. Place a piece of pretty scrapbook paper under the glass top, and you have created a new, designer look. Customize with a pattern that coordinates with your decor, or change the paper with the seasons!

Find a new use for an old frame

A simple coat of paint can instantly update an old mirror or frame and you can match it to your home decor. Paint the mat inside the frame with chalkboard paint to create a one-of-a-kind message board, or add cork to show off your photos or kids craft projects.

Create your own wall art

Linda at Craftaholics Anonymous made this super cute speciman art for her home with Lifestyle Crafts' Sweetheart dies. 

You could also print out your favorite quote or song lyrics, mount it on patterned paper, and put it inside an inexpensive frame!

These are just few ways you can use your paper crafting talents to spruce up your space! How have you used your craft projects to decorate your home?

The nautical theme is hot this summer, and Lifestyle Crafts Maritime collection has arrived just in time! You could easily throw an entire party centered around this fun theme and create DIY party favors like these from Ginger Snap Crafts. Ginger used our whale die to create a cute tag for these birthday treat boxes and our sailboat die to jazz up a dollar store notepad to add inside! 

We agree with Ginger...these favors are "whale-y cute!" Check out Ginger Snap Crafts for more creative inspiration.

Do you have a road trip planned this summer? Do you need a clever idea to keep your kids entertained? Check out these cute DIY road trip kits by Angi from Cokie Pop Paper using Lifestyle Crafts Label It Kit. You could fill this bag with all kinds of goodies - favorite snacks, books, crayons - whatever you think your little ones would enjoy!

Wouldn't your kids love to receive a fun gift set like this before hitting the road? Plus, it's personalized to them from you! Learn more about this creative project over at Cokie Pop Paper. Thanks, Angi for sharing your darling idea!

Tired of having to search for the last page you read in your book? Are you in need of an upgrade from that scrap piece of paper that's currently marking your place? Sisters Kelli and Kristi from Lolly Jane came up with a brilliant bookmark idea  - using magnets! And as an extra bonus, they look cute, too! 

The sisters used Lifestyle Crafts Fancy Envelope Tabs and Label It Kit to create die cuts for this project. Thanks, girls for sharing this creative idea with us! 

For the full tutorial, head on over to Lolly Jane.

*Card made by Regina at The Stampin' Bean

School’s out for the summer! That means you’ll need to keep your little ones busy and have less time to craft - or does it? Getting your kids involved in craft projects will help cure summertime boredom and give you the chance to spend some quality time together - unplugged. By doing crafts with your kids, you are teaching them how to be creative and sharing something you enjoy with them.  So, how can you get your kids involved and excited about crafting?

Let them come up with an “idea”

Instead of having your kids jump into a project you’re already working on, ask them what they would like to create. Take them to your local craft store for ideas and inspiration. Let them pick out colors, embellishments, etc. so they feel like they are contributing to the project.  This is a great way to build their self-confidence and show your kids that you value their input.

Incorporate learning into your craft projects

There are endless opportunities for you to educate your kids through crafting and make learning fun! Create a project around their favorite book, or go on a nature walk and collect items to inspire a craft. Let your kids experiment with age-appropriate tools such as scissors and glue so they can discover how things work.

Preserve fun vacation memories

Are you planning on taking a family vacation this summer? Make a creative keepsake using items from your vacation, such as maps, ticket stubs, seashells or other unique items you collected. Memory jars and shadow boxes are a fun visual way to showcase your treasures, and your child can display it in his or her room as a reminder of the fun they had!

Let them make a mess

The warm weather allows you to get out of the house and take your crafting outside.  Finger painting, chalk drawings and sand art are fun, kid-approved activities, and all you need is a hose to clean up! Your kids are sure to have just as much fun getting messy as they do making a craft, and you don't have to worry about spills and stains!

Use some of these ideas to inspire summer crafts with your kids. You will have a fun project to show for it, but more importantly, you will have created a memory that your kids will never forget!

How have you involved your kids in craft projects? What did they like about it most?