Cheap and Easy Fall DIY

Like many well-intentioned mommies out there, I always have fun schemes on the brain for sprucing up, decorating, or adding a pop of chic to the home. And with all that time I spend on Pinterest, you’d think by now I’d have a ton of complex DIY projects mastered.

But the truth is, between work-work and housework, most of us simply don’t have the time to invest in fancy or otherwise intimidating undertakings. I thought I would share with you a couple favorite projects of mine that I not only tackled but mastered, and all on a super-small budget with less than an hour (or in most cases, less than a half hour) dedicated crafting time.

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One of my absolute favorites is creating books out of greeting cards. I love to hold on to these sweet mementos tied to special occasions (wedding, baby shower, christening, even kids’ birthdays all count!) but who wants to keep them shoved in a drawer? Are they serving any purpose there?

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Instead, you can make an easy and adorable book of all your cards, intersperse with photos from the associated event, and keep it on display, in a bookshelf, or comfortably tucked in a closet as you would any traditional photo album. This one is from our engagement and wedding shower cards. All you need is a hole puncher, some ribbon, and a pen for any labeling you’d like to do. I find that family members love to flip through these when they’re over at the holidays. There’s twenty minutes you won’t have to entertain your mother-in-law this holiday season — you’re welcome!

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Another new trend that’s been popping up all over the interwebs is nontraditional pumpkin decor. Ever thought how lovely it would be not to have to nag your hubby to break out the paring knife and keep all the kids calm, entertained, and engaged as you whittle away at jack-o-lanterns? Paint is so incredibly easy, but it doesn’t have to look 80’s-tacky.

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Pick pretty hues that speak to you and represent your family’s aesthetic. Let their imaginations run wild. Leave outside on porch over newspaper to dry. Onto the next task — that was easy. (Images, from top, via StyleLogistics.com, BHG.com, Country Living, and Cute & Company).

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About Jenny

Jenny Studenroth is a cosmetics junkie and bridal blogger from New York City. After graduating from Middlebury College in 2007 with a creative writing degree, she went on to the beauty departments at Elle and the Wall Street Journal magazines, before becoming a freelance writer. Her wedding blog is BorntobeaBride.com. Jenny and her husband Josh split their time between Brooklyn and Washington, DC along with their cat Dolce and pup Harry. The family is expecting their first human baby in the fall.