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Okio B Designs

A craft, food, fashion, home & shopping blog

 
'Tis the season for gardening!  And I've found the perfect book to help kick-off my favorite time of year: A Woman's Garden: Grow Beautiful Plants and Make Useful Things* ($24.99) by Tanya Anderson.
Tanya's gardening repertoire is quite extraordinary.  Not only is she an organic gardener, she's also a soap maker, beekeeper and beauty producer in the United Kingdom.  Impressive!
A Woman's Garden features "seven categories of useful plants, and introduces you to inspiring women gardeners from around the globe."  The book shows "how to grow dozens of plants and then transform them into gorgeous items to nurture yourself or gift to others."  You'll learn how to:
  • Use onion peels to dye wool;
  • Make lavender soap and bath bombs;
  • Prepare a healing calendula skin salve;
  • Create paper mache leaf lanterns;
  • DIY a rose petal facial mist, and more!
How cute is this olive oil planter?  And I never thought of using an old handbag for planting.
The book is filled with a variety of helpful gardening ideas and step-by-step how-tos for creating over 35 inspiring projects, edibles, and art from your garden.

Don't just take my word for it.  A Woman's Garden is available by visiting Amazon.com (or clicking the link above). 

Jeanine 
 
* Note: I received a sample copy for review.  However, all opinions, text, images, etc. are honest and my own.  This blog does not contain any content that might present a conflict of interest.  Affiliate links and/or monetary compensation will always be disclosed.
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Today I'm sharing how to DIY your own little red succulent wagon.  Everything you need can be found at Dollar Tree (minus the wagon, which I got from Hobby Lobby a couple of years ago).

Seriously, this is so easy.  Simply grab some faux succulents, a bag of faux moss and Glue Dots from your local Dollar Tree.  First, arrange your plants in the bottom of the wagon.  Then use the Glue Dots to hold them in place.  Spread out the faux moss, and then sit back and marvel at your gardening expertise like I did!

See what I mean?  Easy peasy.

Jeanine

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Have you seen these wood block signs at Dollar Tree?  I loved what Susan from Homeroad did with hers, so when I spied the last 2 at a local store, I grabbed them right away.  No need to paint them.  Simply add your own saying (I printed mine out using DaFont and cardstock) and slip them in.  Instant art that can easily be switched out when the mood or season changes.

Jeanine
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Wishing you all a very happy Easter!

Jeanine
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It's been really hard getting into our local thrift store lately.  I've been itching for projects, so I've returned to old faithful: Dollar Tree.  
In fact, every project I'm sharing in this post was made using items from Dollar Tree.  And, of course, things I have in my craft room.
Some ideas are my own; some are copycats from some of my favorite bloggers.
I stock up every time I go now because if you don't grab it when you see it, it might not be there when you go back!
Some way, some how, I'll find a use for it.
We'll be home again for Easter.  No visiting my parents since they haven't had their second CoVid-19 shot yet.
So for now, we'll just enjoy our quartet...
And hope to see them soon.

Jeanine
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You may recognize this faux sugar mold candleholder from an older post.  It was a thrift store find from 2 years ago.  I had originally painted it a robin's nest blue.  After being in the elements, it sorely needed an update...

After sanding off the blue paint and original wood stain, I had a nice clean palette to work with.  I gave it a couple of coats of white craft paint.
Once the paint was dry, I added these fun rub-on transfers from Dollar Tree.  I love anything with numbers, and this really seemed to fit the bill.

I love how it turned out!  And it only cost $1 for the rub-on transfers.  Stay tuned for more Dollar Tree makeovers.

Jeanine

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Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!

Jeanine
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Who's ready for spring and warmer days?!  I know I am!  I've already packed away the bulky sweaters, and now I'm ready for something more like this!  Here are the deets:

Walmart Peplum Top, $11.98;
Levi's 721 Jeans, $49.99; 
Halogen Leopard Print Mules, $37.99;
Bubble Necklace, $18.

Don't forget, you can follow me in the LikeToKnow.It app (@okiobdesigns) for more affordable outfit ideas.

Jeanine
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Don't you just love a good steal versus splurge DIY?  I love the look of these galvanized hanging planters.  I do NOT love the $40 price tag.  So, like any good DIYer...

I made my own for a fraction of the price!  Everything you see here - including the planters - is from Dollar Tree.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Each contains 4 faux succulents (you could probably add more) and fake moss (which I already had from a previous Dollar Tree visit).  My version costs just $5 per hanger.  

I'm so in love with how they came out that I'll probably head back and grab some more. 

Jeanine
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Hop on over to Target for these $3 scented candles.
They're perfect for your spring and Easter decor.  Plus, they smell a.ma.zing!

Jeanine
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Have you started decorating for St. Patrick's Day yet?!
I must admit, I don't have a lot in the way of St. Patty's Day decorations.  I'm sure I say the same thing every year, but it's true.  Much of what you see here is either decorations I made or re-purposed items found at Dollar Tree.  The chalkboard and frame above are both upcycled Dollar Tree items.
I love using these tiered trays from Target for my holiday decorations.  This style is from last year.
This one is from around Christmas time.  I've added a few more St. Patty's Day pieces since taking these pictures, but you get the idea of how sometimes a little goes a long way.  And can we talk about those cute marshmallow mugs?!  They are Rae Dunn-inspired.  I found them on Amazon.  I.  Love.  Them.
It wouldn't be a holiday without doing a vignette on our antique children's desk.  The cards are from The Graphics Fairy.  I made my own printable for the frame, and hand-stamped the carnival tickets.
Our local thrift store is on some weird Covid-19 schedule, so I've only been able to get books during my last two trips.  I grabbed a bunch of green ones as you can see above.  The felt garland is from Amazon.

I'm hoping for a somewhat normal Easter this year.  Although that remains to be seen...

Jeanine

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Have you been to your local Dollar Tree lately?!  They've stepped up their craft section BIG time.  It's actually quite impressive.
Lookie at what you're missing!  How adorable are the farmhouse-style laundry signs?!  Need mini chalkboards or canvases?!  They've got 'em.  Believe me when I tell you, you need these rub-on alphabet transfers too.  (I used them on the metal cup above.)  Grab one, grab three, grab as many as you can carry!

They're already putting out Easter decor too, so hop on over!  You won't be disappointed.

Jeanine

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Valentine's Day is just two weeks away, and I'm still working on some romantic decor in the Okio B house.  Who says February 14th has to be all reds and pinks?  I used some black & white gingham scrapbook paper for this quick Dollar Tree frame makeover - and topped it off with the French flashcard for kiss.
Yesterday, I broke out the label maker for these heart-shaped tart tins.  They sat (unembellished) in my vintage Etsy shop for a year or two; no one would buy them.  I think I'll keep them now!
These mini love letter envelopes were super easy to make using a template I found on Pinterest.  I used sheet music and French book paper for mine.  And added random embellishments.
This hand-stamped love ribbon is actually from last year.  I adore how it adds a hint of romance to this faux clock.
I'm still playing around with this scene under our entry table.  The love sign is from Dollar Tree.  The pom pom garland was an Amazon find.  I had everything else shown.

Dare I say I'm already thinking about St. Patrick's Day DIYs?!

Jeanine

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Have you seen all the buzz on Instagram about Target's $3 ceramic gumball machine?  They are super cute and terribly difficult to find.  Some people are even re-selling them for triple the price - or more!  I don't know about you, but I don't have time for that.
After hitting a few local stores and coming up empty handed, I decided to make my own.  Here's what you need: a fishbowl (found at Dollar Tree), a metal pail (this one was a thrift store find) and a Mason jar lid.  (I didn't use the Mason jar lid for this one because I found something else that worked.)
Spray paint the pail and the lid the color of your choice.  I chose black because I'm thinking ahead to Halloween.  Once those pieces are dry, hot glue the bowl to the bottom (now the top) of the pail.  Add your candy and lid, and you're done!  You can embellish however you like.
I also made this one a few days ago after seeing @woodcraftbyjewlz make one.  For this one, I used a fishbowl, a plastic cup and sugar lid.  Following the same steps above.
I really love how they both turned out.  And they pretty much cost $3 in total to make.
If you don't feel like making your own, these mini gumball machines are just $1 at Walmart.

Drop me a line if you decide to make one of your own!

Jeanine
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When you're still semi-stuck at home because of Co-Vid, you don't feel guilty about starting your Valentine's Day decorating.  AmIRight?!  I actually made these last year using Mason jars and Dollar Tree candlesticks.  Just add some heart candies and vase fillers, and you're good to go!
I'm obsessed with Target's trays.  This pretty red one is in their Bullseye's Playground (or DollarSpot) and was only $5.  I have it on our kitchen counter with some scented soaps and Hearth and Hand's clean/dirty stand.
More decked out Target trays.  The heart one is from this year; the one below is from last year.  
If you like these as much as I do, get over to Target asap because they always sell out.  I add bottle brush trees, decorated bottles and other heart-related pieces to them.  You can dress them up for every season!
And speaking of Target, how adorable is this Mini Heart Waffle Maker?  It's only $9.99, and is another item that tends to sell out quickly.

I'll be sharing more Valentine's Day decor shortly.  Have you started decorating yet?

Jeanine
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(Image courtest of The Graphics Fairy)

Happy new year!  May all of our hopes and dreams come true in 2021.

Jeanine
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I confess.  I started taking down our Christmas decorations the day after.  I did leave up some wintery items like the bottle brush trees and petite skis, though.  I've started decorating for New Year's Eve - even though it will only be the 4 of us.  I found this adorable free printable on Pinterest, and it worked perfect for my new winter theme.
We don't have a lot in the way of New Year's decor.  I had just enough to dress up this Target tiered tray.  I don't feel like buying anything new, so we'll keep it simple this year.  Low key seems to be my new middle name these days.

How will you be celebrating the ball drop?

Jeanine
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Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and safe Christmas!

Jeanine 
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Okio B Designs
I am a small business owner by day, and mom of two boys and DIY crafter by night. You might remember me from my old blog: One Cheap B*tch. I love sharing my tips and tricks to create affordable home decor, fashion, food, crafts and more! Drop me a line at spam-proof: jeanineb4etsy(at)yahoo(dotcom). Thanks for stopping by! Jeanine
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