How to Make Inexpensive Indoor/Outdoor Topiary Trees (Tomato Cage & Garland)
Select images below for close-up details of each step

Materials Used:

• 1 Tomato Cage (size of your choice)
• 5 Nine Foot Bundles of Garland (9' bundles at Walmart: $2 each!)
• 1 Box of 100 Lights
• 1 Planter Box or Bucket (that the large end of your cage will fit nicely on or in)
• Clear or Dark Color Zip Ties
• Wire Cutters
  
• Rocks/Bricks/Heavy Smaller Objects (to weight down if placing outdoors)
  

Directions:

1. Begin by placing your tomato cage atop your planter; the largest opening in on the base
2. I secured it to the bucket by zip-tying the wire down
3. Next, place a couple objects in the bucket to weigh it down, if you will be placing this outdoors
4. Carefully bend the top prongs of the wire cage into one another, forming your ideal tree shape
5. Using wire-cutters, snip the excess metal from the top metal prongs to better form the top of the tree
6. Begin stringing the garland at the base. I had to secure the garland to the base of the wire with a couple more zip-ties to ensure it stays in place.
7. Continue covering until all garland bundles are used, securing each bundle to the wire with the hook end
8. Cover the garland with your lights, and Voila!

Prep Time: 10 Min. Cook Time: 35 Min.  Ready In: 1 Hr.  Servings: 15

Ingredients:

• 1 (19.8) Package Brownie Mix
• 1 3/4 Cup Milk For Each Pudding Mix Pair
  
• 2 (3.3 oz) Package White Chocolate Pudding Mix
  
• 2 (3.3 oz) Package French Vanilla Pudding Mix
  
• 4 Tsp. Instant Coffee Granules
  
• 2 Tbs. Warm Water
  
• 4 Cups Thawed Whipped Topping
• 1 Package Toffee Candy Pieces

Directions:

1. Prepare brownies according to package directions
   
2. Bake and cool completely - Cut into 1 inch cubes
3. In medium bowl, whisk milk and White Chocolate Pudding mix until it begins to thicken (don't go by the amount of milk on the pudding mix box)
4. Dissolve coffee granules in water - stir into pudding
5. Fold in whipped topping
6. Prepare French Vanilla Pudding the same way, folding in whipped topping (exclude the coffee granules)
7. In a glass bowl or pan, layer one-third of brownie cubes, one-third of each pudding mixture and one third of candy - Repeat until all ingredients are used
8. Top with candy and any extra brownie pieces
9. Chill 30 minutes in refrigerator before serving

By far one of the easiest, and tastiest, recipes I've ever made!  I'm addicted to these quick dinners, especially since you can basically mix together whatever ingredients you want (as long as you have a binding agent to help mold the ingredients, i.e. marinara sauce). Incredible!

Ingredients:

• 2 Cans of Garlic Butter Crescent Rolls (substitute regular flavor if desired)
• 1 lb. Italian Sausage
• 1 Package of Turkey Pepperoni
• 3 Cups Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 Cup Marinara Sauce
• 1 Cup Optional Vegetables
• 1 Egg White

Directions:

Prep Time: 20 min. Cook Time: 30 min. Total Time: 50 min. Serves: 5

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
2. On a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, spread both cans of crescents separately
   
3. Press each of the seams to form a single layer of dough on each
   
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked sausage, cheese, marinara and optional veggies
   
5. Spread mixture over the centers of the croissant doughs evenly to create a log
6. Using a sharp knife, cut horizontal strips 1 inch apart down each side of the crescent dough.
7. Fold the dough strips over the top of the mixture, alternating left and right to create a braid
8. Brush the top of the braid with a beaten egg yolk
   
9. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes until golden brown

Whether you're looking for a fun activity for the kids, or looking to add some interesting artwork to your walls, you can't go wrong with project...made completely of melted crayons!

Materials Used:

• Canvas (size/amount of your choice)
• 1 Box of Crayons (brand doesn't matter)
• Wax Paper
• Potato Peeler or Knife (peeler works better)
• Iron

Directions:

• Begin by selecting your crayon color choices

(use multiple colors for the effect shown here)

• Using the potato peeler/knife, you will need to shave the crayons until small slivers are produced.  (either separate the colors into a bowl to distribute onto the canvas later, or begin spreading out on the blank canvas)

• Once you have shaved down the crayons, begin spreading the shavings over the canvas

• When you've reach the desired amount, place a sheet of wax paper over the top of the shavings (I doubled it and put 2 pieces over the top to ensure my iron didn't melt through to the crayon)

• Turn your iron on medium, or cotton, and begin pressing down lightly atop the crayon shavings (the paper may wrinkle a bit, and that's okay, it will give a neat effect once complete)

• You'll notice the colors begin to melt - you can shape and blend the colors using the iron as well

• Once the desired effect is reached, remove the wax paper and let dry for a few minutes

 

Every dining room table, or coffee table, needs a splash of color and excitement for the holiday seasons.  This Autumn color inspired centerpiece is the perfect addition to your home for the Fall season!

Materials Used:

• Bundle of Vine or Miniature Vine Wreath (broken up into various sized pieces)
• Autumn Colored Candle
• Berry Twig Stems
• Faux Leaves
• Metal Pumpkin Shaped Candle Holder Centerpiece
• Centerpiece Tray of Your Choice

Directions:

• Start by placing the metal pumpkin in the center of your tray
• Arrange the broken up vine pieces around the pumpkin, and throughout the tray
• Add the leaves and berries, as you see fit, ensuring to spread them out over the tray
• Place the candle inside the pumpkin, and set atop your table!

This Fall inspired wreath was made with various material from the craft store, and relatively easy to do!

Materials Used:

• Vine Wreath (sizes vary on choice)
• Berry Garland or Berry Twig Stems
• Faux Flowers/Leaves
• Plastic Pumpkin, Gourd, etc
• Super Glue or Hot Glue

Directions:

• Begin placing the berry garland/stems around the wreath, gluing in a few places to remain in tact

• Place the flowers and plastic accessories in your desired area, gluing each item to the vine wreath

• Most metal wreath holders will fit nicely in the intertwined vines to hang from the door

Looking to spruce up your front door with a welcome to the new season?  This Spring inspired wreath can be made for under $10 using the yarn color of your choice!

Materials Used:

• Styrofoam Extruded Wreath ($3.99-$4.99)
• Multi-Color Yarn ($3.99)
• Flower Accents ($1.99)
• Super Glue or Hot Glue

Directions:

• Simply glue one end of the yarn to the styrofoam wreath
• Continue to wrap the yarn around the styrofam until completely covered (you will have to push the yarn closer together as you progress)
• Glue the final end of the yarn to the back of the wreath (so not to show in the front)
• Clip the faux flower stems short, and glue the flowers in your desired area.