How To Make An End Cap For Chair Rail
Let’s talk trim. If you’re adding chair rail or any kind of molding to your walls, you’ll probably run into the question: how do I end it cleanly? Sometimes the molding wraps around a corner or continues into another space, but other times, you just need it to stop.
That’s where an end cap comes in.
It’s basically a little return piece that finishes the edge of your trim so it doesn’t look like it just… stopped mid-thought. And good news: it’s actually really easy to do with just a few cuts and a little patience.
I made a handy video explaining exactly how to do it, below!
In case you're curious, my hallway trim is actually two pieces layered together. The back board is 4.5” tall and 1/2” deep, and the rounded piece on top is 2.5” tall and 1” deep. The layered look adds a little extra dimension.
One more thing: always wear your safety goggles, even for quick cuts. It only takes a second and makes all the difference.
An end cap might seem like a small detail, but it really pulls the whole project together. It gives your trim a clean, finished edge and makes everything feel more polished and purposeful.
If you give it a go, let me know—I’d love to see how it turns out in your space!
Links At A Glance
Paint Color - Reddened Earth by HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams
Trim - Ace Hardware
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How to Make Floral Ice Cubes for Your Next Party
If you’re hosting anything, from a backyard hangout to a baby shower, you have to try floral ice cubes. Trust me, this is one of those DIYs that looks super fancy but is actually incredibly easy. They take almost no time to make, but they instantly make your setup feel thoughtful, festive, and way more elevated.
I used them in a clear drink tub and they totally stole the show. People were way more excited about the ice than I expected (like, full-on compliments about ice cubes). It’s such a simple touch, but it adds this fun, creative vibe that makes everything feel a little extra special without any real effort.
Here’s how I made them:
I used a mix of dried flowers, real flowers, and even a few fake ones I had lying around. Don’t overthink it! Just grab whatever looks pretty! I stuffed each section of the ice cube tray with petals and blooms, and didn’t worry about making them perfect. For the roses, I found a little trick: if you twist them quickly between your palms, the petals come off super easily. It’s oddly satisfying and made the whole process go faster.
Once your tray is packed with floral goodness, just fill it to the top with water and freeze overnight. No need to get fancy with layers or stages, you just pop it in the freezer and forget it.
One thing to keep in mind: if you’re planning to use these cubes in drinks (like cocktails or lemonade), make sure you’re using edible flowers. Not all flowers are safe to consume, so it’s worth double-checking. But if they’re just for chilling wine bottles or decorating a drink tub, feel free to use any combination of dried, real, or faux.
In the morning, you’ll have the prettiest ice cubes ever, like little frozen flower arrangements. I dumped mine into a clear drink tub with sparkling waters and wine bottles, and they instantly made everything feel so much more fun and festive. You could also pop them into pitchers, a punch bowl, or even individual glasses if you’re going all out. However you use them, they’re guaranteed to make people stop and say, “Wait…did you make these?!”
It’s such a small detail, but it really pulls everything together and makes your setup feel intentional. One of those easy little wins that looks high-effort but takes barely any time at all.
Give it a try and let me know how yours turn out, I’d love to see!
Links At A Glance
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DIY Personalized Cupcake Toppers
Let’s talk about one of my favorite little party details: personalized cupcake toppers. They’re the kind of thing that makes a dessert table feel extra special, and the best part is you can totally make them yourself. No fancy tools required, just a little crafting and some patience.
I made these for my daughter’s 1st birthday party and had so much fun putting them together. Here's how you can do the same:
What You'll Need:
Photos with the face big enough to actually show up once it’s cut out
How To Make Them
Pick your photos
Start by choosing clear, front-facing photos where the person's face is large enough to show up well once cut out. I used Canva to zoom in and fit two to three faces per page. You want the faces to be big enough to stand out on top of a cupcake, so don’t be afraid to crop in close.Print and cut
I printed mine on photo paper using my home photo printer, but you can absolutely get them printed anywhere you normally develop photos. Once they’re printed, just cut around each face. They end up looking so cute and personal.Attach to skewers
Flip the face cutouts over and tape a skewer or toothpick to the back. That’s it. No fancy supplies or tools needed. You can also add a second face on the back if you want them double-sided, but I usually keep it simple.Stick them in and enjoy
Once they’re ready, just pop them into your cupcakes. These always get a good laugh and make the whole party feel a little more personal and fun. They're perfect for birthdays, graduations, bachelorette parties, pretty much any celebration where faces on cupcakes would make people smile.
That’s all it takes. It’s a super quick and budget-friendly DIY that adds such a personal touch. I love how easy it is to switch up the style depending on the occasion: birthdays, showers, holidays, or even just for fun.
Let me know if you make some. I’d love to see how yours turn out!
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DIY Turtle Sandbox Makeover: From Thrifted to Adorable
How to Give a Faded Sandbox Turtle a Fresh New Look
I found this classic turtle sandbox at Goodwill for $5, and I knew right away it had potential. Sure, it was faded, scratched, and looked like it had lived a full life, but the shape was iconic, and I love a good transformation project. A few hours and a couple cans of spray paint later, this little guy got a whole new lease on life.
What You’ll Need:
Scrub brush and soap (for cleaning)
Spray paint made for plastic (I used two coordinating colors: one for the body and one for the lid)
Contrasting paint for the shell details (I used some craft paint I already had)
Small paint brush for the shell details
Clear outdoor spray sealant (non-yellowing)
Painter’s tape (for detailing—especially the eyes!)
A comfort grip spray can handle (optional, but makes a huge difference for even coverage and avoiding finger fatigue)
A bag or two of sand (for the fun part)
How to Do It:
1. Clean it really well.
Start by giving the turtle a thorough scrub with warm soapy water. Mine was definitely showing its age, so I made sure to get into all the little nooks and rinse it really well. Once it was completely dry, I wiped it down again just to be sure there wasn’t any leftover grime or residue.
2. Protect the eyes.
Before painting, I used painter’s tape to cover the turtle’s little eyes. It’s a tiny detail, but keeping them paint-free helped preserve that classic, recognizable expression, and made the final result feel more polished.
3. Prime it.
This step is easy to skip, but so worth it. I used a spray primer that’s safe for plastic to help the paint stick better and last longer. A light, even coat is all you need—just be sure to let it dry fully before moving on to color.
4. Spray the base and the lid.
Once the primer was dry, I sprayed the turtle’s body with a soft neutral beige and the lid with a warm blush pink. I stuck to light coats and let each one dry before adding the next. The contrast between the two colors gave it a fun but modern look that felt totally fresh.
5. Add shell detail.
After the base coat dried, I used some craft paint I already had, and a small paint brush to paint the little spots on his shell.
6. Seal it.
Once all the paint was dry and I was happy with the look, I finished it off with a few coats of clear spray sealant made for outdoor plastic. It adds a bit of shine, protects the paint from chips, and makes cleanup after play days so much easier.
7. Fill with sand!
After everything cured, I added fresh play sand and tossed in a few fun toys. Our toddler was in it immediately, and it’s easily become one of the most-used toys.
How It’s Holding Up:
Look, when you mix sand, spray paint, and an enthusiastic toddler, you’re obviously going to get a little chipping. And yep, we do have a few spots where the paint has worn off, especially around the edges where little feet climb in and out. But honestly? It’s held up way better than I expected.
The color is still vibrant, the shell details are intact, and the sealant has definitely helped protect it from full-on flaking or fading. It lives outside, gets played with constantly, and still manages to look cute. Considering it started as a $5 thrift find, that feels like a major win.
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THRIFT FLIP - Google Home
A Simple DIY Frame Hack
Want to make your Google Home look more stylish? With just a few simple tweaks, you can transform it into a framed piece of art!
What You’ll Need:
🖼️ A 3 1/2” x 5 1/2'“ picture frame (I thrifted mine for just $1!)
🔪 X-Acto knife & pliers
🛠️ Velcro Command Strips
Step 1: Prepare the Frame
Start by removing the backing board of your frame. If it’s glued in, use an X-Acto knife to carefully cut along the edges and pop it out. Next, take pliers to remove any metal hanging hardware or turn clips—this ensures the frame sits flush against your Google Home.
Step 2: Attach the adhesive
I originally used velcro Command strips (seen below), but decided to switch them to these velcro mounting squares and it holds the frame much better. Attach them to the sides of the frame and make sure they’re evenly placed so the frame sticks securely. If your frame is heavier, consider using extra pieces for added hold.
Step 3: Frame Your Google Home
Peel off the adhesive backing from the mounting squares and carefully press the frame onto your Google Home. Hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure a strong bond. Adjust as needed, and step back to admire your upgraded, art-like smart speaker!
✨ And just like that, your Google Home blends beautifully into your decor!
Would you try this hack? Let me know in the comments!
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DIY Flower Bar
How to Create a DIY Flower Bar for Your Next Event
A flower bar is a fun and interactive way to let guests create their own bouquets to take home as a party favor. It’s a beautiful addition to any event, from birthdays to bridal showers. Here's a step-by-step tutorial, complete with a price breakdown, to help you set up your own flower bar with ease.
Materials Needed for 20 guests
Fresh flowers/greenery in a cohesive color palette (purchased from Trader Joe’s)
Buckets and/or vases for flowers (we used the free buckets from Trader Joe’s and several clear vases)
Step 1: Buying the Flowers
I purchased my flowers from Trader Joe’s at opening the day before the event. There was already a line of people, all there for flowers, and the best selections go fast! I highly recommend arriving at opening to get the best options.
Since I had 20 guests RSVP, I calculated how many flowers I needed based on the recommended 8-10 stems per person including a “thriller, some filler, and a spiller of greenery” guideline. This ensured I had enough for everyone while preventing guests from taking too many stems and leaving others without enough options. Planning this way made budgeting easier and kept the flower bar fair for all attendees. I also recommend using a cohesive color palette so no matter what each guest chooses or what is left towards the end of the event, all of the flowers are usable together.
I would also recommend buying more “thriller” flowers than I did, as people will gravitate to them first.
Flower Selection & Cost (Spring 2024):
Premium Assorted Greens – $3.99 each (bought 7) → $27.93
Eucalyptus – $3.99 each (bought 3) → $11.97
Raffine Dianthus – $4.99
Tulips (Seasonal, Big Bunch) – $9.99 each (bought 2) → $19.98
Rose DZ Yellow/Orange – $9.99
Chrysanthemums (Big Bunch) – $4.99
Carnation Mini Novelty – $4.99
Rose DZ Pink/Purple/Bicolor – $9.99
Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila) – 4 @ $3.99 → $15.96
Jumbo Mum Balls – $4.99 each (bought 2) → $9.98
Lily Calla Mini – $5.99 each (bought 2) → $11.98
Total flower cost: $131.75
Step 2: Setting Up the Flower Bar
Prep the Flowers – Trim the stems at an angle and place them in buckets of water to keep them fresh.
Organizing the Table – Arrange the flowers in separate vases or buckets, grouping them by type to make selection easy.
Precut Materials – Cut kraft paper and twine in advance to make wrapping easy.
Display & Signage – I purchased a themed sign from Etsy to guide guests. The sign suggested:
Choose 8-10 stems, including a thriller, some filler, and a spiller of greenery.
Wrap in paper and tie your bouquet up.
Take it home to enjoy!
Wrapping Station – Set up a space with kraft paper, twine, and scissors so guests can wrap their bouquets.
Again, I loved that the 8-10 stem recommendation on the sign helped guide people on how many to take, preventing anyone from making oversized bouquets and ensuring there were enough flowers for everyone to enjoy.
Step 3: Assembling Bouquets
Guests can mix and match stems, following the signage suggestion for how many stems to take.
Suggested Bouquet Formula :
2-3 focal flowers (like roses or peonies)
2-3 filler flowers (like daisies or carnations)
3-4 greenery stems (like eucalyptus or ferns)
After picking their flowers, guests can wrap them in kraft paper and secure them with twine or ribbon
Final Tips
Buy flowers a day in advance and keep them in water overnight.
Use an Etsy sign to guide guests on the amount of flowers to use.
Have plenty of scissors and twine so multiple guests can wrap their bouquets at once.
Buy more “thriller” flowers and less greenery than I did. No matter what your sign says, people gravitate to the prettiest flowers first.
This DIY flower bar was such a hit at my event and added a special touch. Have you ever tried a flower bar? Let me know in the comments!
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Sunroom Makeover
Welcome to my sunroom makeover! This space has always been a little paradise for my plant babies, but I figured it was time for me to enjoy it just as much as they do. Plus, I was over the plain white walls and ready to bring in some personality!
The Before:
The DIY Begins!
First things first—I cleared out the entire room, carefully relocating all my plants to make space for the transformation. I started by adding base cap to the top of my baseboards—something I do for all my makeovers because it makes such a difference! Then, I covered the floors with paper and painter’s tape to protect them from what was coming next—PAINT!
Crown Moulding & Painting
This was only my second time installing crown molding, but with a miter saw, adhesive, and a brad nailer, I got it up pretty quickly! (If you want a step-by-step guide, check out this blog post.) Then, I put my brand-new paint sprayer to the test, and with all the intricate details in this molding, it made the job SO much easier. Since this sprayer isn’t ideal for painting entire rooms—unless you want to refill it a thousand times—I rolled the rest of the walls and ceiling in Maison Blanche by HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams, the dreamiest creamy beige that I’m completely obsessed with!
Ceiling Medallion & Chandelier
Next up was painting and hanging the gorgeous ceiling medallion! I used the paint sprayer again to get into all the intricate details, and it paired perfectly with a beautiful chandelier I found on Amazon. It instantly took the space to the next level! I also painted the arch leading into the dining room to create a smoother, more seamless color transition.
Time to Decorate!
Once the painting was done, it was time for my favorite part—decorating!
First, I rolled out this stunning brown rug that I am still completely in love with.
Then, I created a gallery wall on the arched wall—if you want to see my step-by-step method, check out this blog post!
I even built my first-ever piece of furniture—a DIY coffee table! (Check out this blog post to see how I did it!)
I found the perfect arched cabinet but decided to add fabric to the inside of the doors to hide the clutter—see the transformation here!
I painted both my DIY coffee table and a beautiful scalloped console table (a Facebook Marketplace find! Check out that blog post here!) using Cabinet and Furniture Paint in Otter by HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams. The deep brown looked stunning against the creamy walls!
To finish it off, I swapped out the knobs on the console table’s drawers for a little extra charm.
I also added brown pinch pleated blackout curtains on gold rods with gold eyelets, which added such a luxurious and cozy touch to the space. The warm tones complemented the creamy walls perfectly and tied everything together beautifully!
The Finishing Touches
One of my best finds was the bouclé couch in the color Alabaster with washable cushions—SO comfy and practical! After adding the final decor touches and bringing back some of my plants (while redistributing the rest throughout my home), I thought the room was finished... but of course, I wasn’t quite done yet!
The Final Addition: A Frame TV
Since this sunroom quickly became our go-to lounging space, adding a TV just made sense. We installed our second Frame TV, and instead of DIY-ing a frame, this time I simply bought one. To keep things sleek, my husband cut a hole in the drywall and installed a recessed box, running the power through the wall to keep the cords completely hidden. Now, the TV sits flush against the wall and looks just like a piece of art!
And that’s a wrap! My sunroom is now the coziest spot we hang out in all the time—without sacrificing my plants’ happiness. Hope you loved following along with this makeover! Let me know what you think in the comments!
Links at a glance
Cabinet and Furniture Paint: Otter by HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams
Console Table: Facebook Marketplace
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DIY: Cabinet Door Cover-Up
DIY: Cabinet Door Cover-Up - A Simple Fabric Fix
Sometimes, finding the perfect piece of furniture within budget just isn’t possible—but a little DIY can make it work! Arch cabinets with solid doors can be pricey, so I grabbed this one with glass doors for a fraction of the cost.
I knew it would be great for storage, but I wanted to keep everything inside hidden. Let’s just say my hosting dishware collection is extensive—and while it’s all beautiful, it’s also very much crammed into this cabinet to maximize space. My first plan was to create a soft, gathered curtain look (inspo pictured below) with floral fabric. I spent about $40 on the fabric, only to realize I didn’t have enough space inside the doors to make it work.
I thought about laying the fabric flat against the glass, but it didn’t have the look I was going for. That’s when I remembered a piece of upholstery fabric I had thrifted from Goodwill for $9.99. I pulled it out, tested it on the doors, and liked it much better.
Here’s how I made it work:
Removed the doors for easier handling.
Cut the fabric to fit the glass panels.
Cleaned the glass to remove any dust or smudges.
Stapled the fabric to the back of the doors using 1/4-inch staples, pulling it tight and working in sections.
Trimmed the excess fabric for a neat finish.
Rehung the doors and started filling the cabinet.
I don’t think everyone needs to cover their cabinet doors, but for my space, I wanted a solid look without spending a fortune on new doors. This solution worked perfectly, and I love the end result. Now I have a functional storage piece that fits my needs and style.
Click here to shop the arched cabinet!
A little creativity can go a long way in making a piece work for you! Happy DIY-ing!!