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Winter nights call for the warm glow of candles, and what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than by gifting someone you love with a sweet, handmade candle, poured and scented just for them? Candle-making is such a rewarding, peaceful, and creative outlet, perfect for cold days inside! Just like fingerprints, no two pieces are exactly alike, making it a gift of art. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, you’ll enjoy creating these simple, fun, handmade candles that are perfect for everyone (literally, teachers, partners, parents, friends, everyone LOVES hand-crafted candles!) In this post, I'll share five creative DIY candle-making ideas, a basic candle-making recipe, and I'll give you my trusted source for everything you need, (from cheap supplies and insider tricks to how to profit off this sweet hobby). Let's dive in! 1. Glam Girl This one is for my bestie. Start with the basic candle-making recipe (near bottom of post) Add fine glitter to the wax for a touch of glamour. The flickering flames will catch the glimmer, creating an enchanting atmosphere! Scent with cinnamon fragrance oil for some aromatherapy spark. Dye lipstick-red, and present a crystal or glass candy dish for maximum eye-catching glam! Budget tip: local thrift stores are a great source for crystal candy dishes. 2. Floating Valentine Floating candle molds are specifically designed for creating candles that float on water. (You can find these at craft stores like Micheal’s and Hobby Lobby. See my source for a cheaper alternative). For real eye candy layer your wax colors in pink, white, and red. Place on top of water-filled, clear column vases. Treat yourself: make a half dozen minis in solid colors for the bathtub, and add lavender oil for a relaxing Valentine's bath! 3. Sweet Hearts Start with the basic recipe dye your wax in classic conversation colors: yellow, pale blue, mint green, and pink. Add vanilla fragrance oil to make this treat extra sweet. Use heart-shaped silicone molds. The flexibility of silicone makes it so easy to release the finished candle. Carve your sentiment in caps with a nutpick or carefully with a toothpick, and fill in with a permanent marker. 4. Sweet Tea These handmade candles are the ultimate in vintage charm! Add dried rose petals or lavender to your wax (optional) Scent with almond fragrance oil. Let set in thrifted dainty teacups. I love this double-good gift: the cup can be used for anything once the candle is gone. 5. KISS (Keep it super simple) If you have a bigger batch of gifts to make (or sell!) just dye your wax, scent if you like, and pour into these sweet little heart tins. The tins come with a lid, so it’s perfect present packaging. Sign with a little message on the back of the tin with a permanent marker. Save time by printing out “Handmade by” on address labels, with a special name for the candle. I love that you can see the candle from the outside! And as promised, here is my trusted source for EVERYTHING candles: It’s the best resource I've found if you want to do this right, find out what mistakes to avoid, and get the inside scoop on the cheapest suppliers or make some serious cash with candles. BASIC CANDLE RECIPE DIY CANDLE RECIPE: Supplies You'll Need: Wax (soy, paraffin, or beeswax) Wicks Fragrance oils (optional, but oh-so-lovely) Dye or crayon for coloring Double boiler Thermometer Stirring utensil Molds or containers Prepare Your Craft Nook: Lay down some newspaper or a disposable tablecloth. Gather all your goodies in one spot. 2. Measure and melt the wax: scoop out the amount of wax you need and melt it using your double boiler. Keep an eye on the temperature: aim for 120-165 F. 3. Prep the wick: snip the wick to your preferred length, giving it a quick dip in melted wax before sticking it in the center of your mold or container. Be sure to leave a little extra for trimming the finished product. 4. Add scent and color (optional): add a few drops of fragrance oil or essential oil to your wax. Add dye to your preference.  Give it a good stir, making sure it is spread evenly. 5. Pour the wax: gently pour into the mold or container, keeping the wick centered. 6. Cool and trim: let those sweeties set and cool. Once hardened, trim the wick to the desired length. Label or package to your heart's desire. Learn how to make all sorts of different candles- I love the beeswax the most (smells so good!) it's all in the the how-to guide Also in the guide: ➔ Secrets of the PROS techniques and tricks ➔ Cheapest Suppliers ➔ Troubleshooting candle-making problems ➔ Endless scent blends ➔ Number one mistake novices make ➔ How to make beeswax candles, hurricane shell candles, rolled candles, therapeutic candles (tons more) ➔ Easy, cheap & beautiful packaging ➔ Step-by-step guide on how to start your candle-making business from home Enjoy and have fun lighting up the love in your home this Valentine's Day! this post contains affiliate links

The holiday season is the perfect time to show your friends and family how much you care by giving them lovely gifts handmade by you. But let’s be easy on ourselves and go the simple way: handmade is handmade- it doesn’t matter if the gift took five minutes or five months; they will enjoy it equally. In this post, we'll explore 10 unique and homemade gift ideas that will knock the fuzzy winter socks off your recipients. These ideas are creative, uncomplicated, budget-friendly and beginner-easy! this post includes my affiliate links which cost nothing extra for you but may help support my blog if you decide to purchase 1. Customized Photo Calendar Create a personalized photo calendar using pictures of the favorite moments you two shared throughout the year. Here’s how I did it the simple way this year: instead of uploading to Walgreens or Shutterfly, I found this on Amazon and made the calendar in five minutes! Pick 12 photos and you’re done, for under $30. My kids’ grandmother loves getting these every year! This is a practical and nostalgic gift. If you don’t have a lot of pictures together, use your favorite photos of your kids or travels. Families love seeing these memories every day. 2. Homemade Bath and Body Products Pamper your loved ones with luxurious homemade bath and body products. Handmade is soo much better than the junk at the store. My simple favorites are bath bombs and sugar scrubs. Include a handwritten note with instructions or an inspirational self-care quote for an added touch. If you enjoy those nice little French yogurts (Oui), repurpose the cute glass containers by cleaning and filling them with homemade body scrub! Top them off with these under $10 gorgeous aesthetic bamboo lids (pic below) that include a rubber seal making them leak-proof for transport! Recipes to Try: Bath Bomb Recipe for Beginners Effortless and easy! Easy Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe My favorite scrub, from Elaine with eatingbyelaine 3. Memory Jar Decorate a glass jar and fill it with slips of paper detailing the best memories you've shared. Cut out a photo of the two of you for the top, and finish with a ribbon around the neck. Make it easier by having the complete kit sent right to your door. I love that it comes with everything you need- including 180 blank tags. Currently on SALE $20 Ideas for your memory jar: What I admire about you... Lyrics from your shared favorite song. Inside jokes Dreams/Goals (one day we will...) Inspirational quotes Favorite personality trait Thank you for being there when:... Name and date of concerts you attended together A famous line from a favorite movie (Romantic interest): Favorite dates you’ve had Future date ideas Favorite charming attribute Top memory of the year Reasons why you are my person My favorite way to waste time with you... You get the idea! Revisit each one five times and you've got a nice collection that will have them grinning for days! 4. Handcrafted Jewelry Get creative and make unique jewelry pieces, even if you've never done it before! It's so easy to string bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Use beads & charms, and personalize your creations by using your loved one's favorite color or their birthstone. Michael’s has jewelry-making supplies, but if you want to save some money I would get this 2,000+ piece kit (left) that has all the tools and beads you'll need for $26. complete kit. 5. Recipe Book This is perfect for your foodie friend or your adulting daughter (or son! Mine has called so many times, asking for childhood recipes!) Gifting a collection of your favorite recipes is a priceless and special gift that can be handed down for generations. Make a free ebook on Canva.com, including photos. They also have an option to print! Or handwrite your recipes on index cards and slide them into a photo album. Bonus: the recipes will be protected from food splatters behind plastic! 6. DIY Terrarium Here is the perfect present for your plant-mom friend! Create a mini garden in a glass container by arranging small plants, pebbles, and moss. Terrariums make stunning, low-maintenance decor gifts that bring instant peace and beauty to indoor spaces. I have a half dozen of these sweet hanging globes in my living room, displaying air plants...they are quite a conversation starter! 7. Hand-knit Scarf or Stocking If you have knitting or crocheting skills, make a cozy scarf in your loved ones' favorite colors. Handmade scarves are not only useful, but they also make the recipient feel loved every time they wear them. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving: knit them a stocking they can display and fill every year! Oh I would love this so much. It's officially on my wish list. The gift of your special touch in creating something like this lasts forever. 8. Personalized Cutting Board Engrave a cutting board with a favorite family recipe or a special message. If you have a dremel this is easy and satisfying. If we want it to be simpler: engrave their last name and Christmas/year. I love this for newlyweds! Everyone needs a cutting board. But this one will be a cherished keepsake. I recommend an heirloom-quality board that will last, to be handed down to the next generation, like this one: 9. DIY Artwork Create a piece of artwork using your artistic skills or explore different techniques. This sounds broad, but let me narrow it down with an example for you: I bought joint compound at Lowe’s ($4) and a framed art print canvas at Goodwill ($6) and went to town covering the existing art with patterns in joint compound. Another fun DIY is mixed media; I love this idea because you can personalize it with the gift recipient's favorite themes. Check out more ideas here, and have fun making something special for someone important. Don’t forget to sign and date! 10. Homemade Food Basket Put together a selection of homemade treats! Include Christmas cookies, jams, cupcakes, flavored oils, cookie-mix-in-a-jar, or whatever it is you know people love that you make. Attach handwritten or personalized labels to add an extra touch of love. Wrap the basket in cellophane and top it off with a big holiday bow. Or use a basket like this and wrap the bow around the handles. I love the sweet lining on these, they are a present themselves! Hand-woven Wicker Basket with Handles & Linen I hope these ideas inspire you this holiday season to explore more than store-bought gifts and opt for something a touch more personal and meaningful. By creating unique and homemade gifts, you not only showcase your creativity but also demonstrate the thought and effort you put into each present. Love and care are gifts of themselves that bless each person lucky enough to get something like this from you. These 10 ideas are just the beginning, so let your imagination run wild and make this holiday season extra special for your loved ones.

It's time to give yourself and your guests an upgraded Thanksgiving table decor experience with a modern, stunning, setting. Does the 1962 decor of every single Thanksgiving table affect the dining experience? A resounding yes. Let's take that table setting up a notch and dress to impress. Here are my favorite distinctive, modern, table-settings that will transform your dining space into a captivating experience and knock the stuffing out of your guests. *affiliate links included Whimsical Woodland The Whimsical Woodland theme for Thanksgiving is fascinating and unusual. It does have a bit of a spring vibe, but the pumpkins and twinkling lights and candles remind us we're closing in on Autumn. Together, this blend feels like a breath of fresh air! The theme draws inspiration from a vintage, whimsical wonderland. Wood tones, greenery, and Robin’s egg blue are used as the color palette. How to Decorate the Table in Whimsical Woodland Centerpiece: Bring 4-6 inch houseplants to the table dressed in matching pottery bowls or simple woven baskets. Nestle fairy lights in and around the tablescape for a magical glow. Place small carved woodland animals (I used Christmas tree ornaments) around the greenery for an enchanting touch. Include tapered candles in crystal wood or porcelain holders. Color Palette: Vintage Robin’s egg blue, wood tones, green Tablecloth: Robin’s egg blue, or white. Runner Use a burlap runner for a natural and whimsical touch. Chargers: Wood chargers are perfect or go with seagrass placemats. Dishes/plates: Mix and match vintage-inspired dinnerware in the palette colors. extra sweet if they have delicate prints. Napkins: Cotton or linen If available, use matching pottery rings for napkin holders. Glassware: Vintage glass cups to add to the nostalgic atmosphere. Utilize small wood slices as drink coasters for the woodland vibe. Other Tips: Peruse thrift stores for matching extras you may need: enamel serving ware and utensils, vintage glasses, and cotton napkins. Place Cards: Attach delicate paper butterflies to the stems of mini gourds/pumpkins on guest's plates. "After a good dinner, one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations." –Oscar Wilde Modern Minimalist Modern minimalist decor portrays a sleek, clean, and contemporary look with a color palette of black, white, and green. It is drop-dead gorgeous in person. There's so much action and busyness with Thanksgiving, but when guests experience this tablescape, you can almost feel the room exhale. The optics of Modern Minimalism are endlessly satisfying. How to Decorate the Table in Modern Minimalist Centerpiece: Group small succulent plants, providing a natural and minimalist focal point. Add tall black or white candle tapers for a touch of height and elegance. Remember half of the theme is minimalism, so we want a very simple paired-down focal point. Tablecloth: Start with a clean, white tablecloth as the canvas. Chargers: Opt for simple, unadorned chargers that complement the clean look. Dinner Plates: Select matte black dinnerware and white salad plates to maintain the minimalist theme. Napkins: Use white cloth napkins for a clean and cohesive look. Silverware: Matte black modern flatware Glassware: Use clear glassware to maintain a clean and simple aesthetic Place Cards: Utilize sprigs of eucalyptus as both place cards and a natural decorative element. "This is what love looks like, if it were a table setting" Blush Luxe The quiet luxury of Blush Luxe is inspired by soft pink roses and the deep green of emeralds. It further elevates with warm brass or gold accents. This table theme immediately makes you feel royal. This dinner is, without question, something extra special. Imagine your guests seeing their name in gilded gold, sipping out of a crystal champagne glass. If you choose this tablescape, let me know what time to be there. How to Decorate the Table in Blush Luxe Centerpiece: Add glistening candleholders, and antiqued metallic vases filled with elegant blooms for a quiet luxury. Use several miniature gold frames placed around the table, each displaying a sentence of sentiment/what you are thankful for. Place votive candles in small metallic holders among the greenery for a romantic glow. Scatter small, polished gemstones or crystals for an added touch of glamour. Color Palette: Deep greens, soft pinks, and brass. Tablecloth: Pink Runner: Emerald Chargers: Opt for antique brass or brushed gold chargers to add a touch of vintage and elegance Dinner Plates: Choose bone china in white or pink! Napkins: Emerald Flatware: Gold or copper flatware for a touch of opulence Glassware: Crystal glasses, champagne flutes Place Cards: Write guests' names on gilded leaves or in a miniature gold frame Neutral Aesthetic The calm and understated palette of Neutral Aesthetic breathes peace and balance into your space, on a day you really need it. Clean and simple, soft and gentle, with natural materials like stone, wood, soft linens, and cotton, there is nothing but giving thanks vibes here. How to Decorate the Table in Neutral Aesthetic Centerpiece: Empty out a pale pumpkin place a vase inside, and fill the vase with a bouquet of white flowers. cluster pumpkins in muted tones, dried botanicals, and ivory candles in varying heights. Add texture with pinecones here and there. Place everything on a large wooden tray. Alternatively, line up the pumpkins in a row across the table and lay leaves along the border. Theme: Neutral aesthetic Color Palette: warm ivory, subtle gray, mushroom Tablecloth: warm ivory. Runner: subtle gray, linen Placemats: round, woven jute Dinner Plates: ivory Napkins: soft linen in any of the three tones Silverware: I get so many compliments on my wood flatware! (they are cheap and disposable!) Glassware: plain or stem Place Cards: write guests’ names on white polished stones. Use one of these fresh Thanksgiving decor ideas and get ready for a new holiday vibe . Let me know in the comments what you chose, and what you love the most about this holiday season. For fresh decorating ideas delivered right to you, sign up for the free the newsletter below!