By Candie Cooper of Candie Cooper's Journal

Growing up, my sister Carrie had a ton of miniatures and Barbies lying around.  I just wrote her to see if she still has the giant Victorian (unfinished) doll house. I'm suggesting we finish it, so this furniture has a home. I can see it now: Candie and Carrie's version of DIY Home Makeover---Miniature style!

It all started when I saw this sweet furniture at the dollar store. Cute pieces, not so cute color.

I base coated everything with FolkArt paints and detailed the knobs with Gold FolkArt.  You'll need some tiny brushes to go with these tiny pieces.

I asked my friend Lena to knit a blanket and we wove yarn in to add some color.  Then I made mini pillows with cotton balls, fabric, and a little Mod Podge Fabric to seal them up. Paper sheets were added to the bed with Mod Podge Matte.

Spools were transformed to stools with more FolkArt Paint. Paper seat cushions and place mats were added with Mod Podge Matte too! You can find accessories like plates and forks at the craft store.  

My friend Katie gave me the lamp from her parent’s miniature store--complete with toothpaste lid shade. Adding details to projects is definitely my favorite part. I had a blast making this project for Plaid. I hope you love it too!

Hooray! You’ve made it to the half waypoint of the workweek. We know you’re probably counting down to the holiday weekend on the horizon, but before you completely check out we want to share with you an awesome project. Check out this Martha Stewart DIY Monogrammed Necklace, designed with new items from the Martha Stewart jewelry craft program.

Keren from Free Pretty Things For You designed this necklace. It is so cute, and perfect to make for yourself or give as a gift. Since you can personalize it by adding a monogram to it, why not add your little one’s initials? They are sure to love receiving this handmade and heartfelt craft from you. To learn how to make this necklace visit Keren’s blog for step-by-step instructions.

By Candie Cooper of Candie Cooper's Journal

School plays, summer make-believe, party hats; I LOVE IT ALL!! Here are some dollar store foam crowns I dressed up with Plaid paints and Mod Podge!

I started with neon tags that also came from the dollar store. You can sponge or brush on neon Apple Barrel paints to add more color and texture. For a little sparkle, brush a coat of Sparkle Mod Podge over the painted tags.

Glue the pieces together in layers with Mod Podge. It's fun to cut new shapes or slits in the paper tags with scissors too.

Decorate the foam crowns with gems and attach them with Mod Podge. You can leave the crown like this or....

Sponge paint it with gold FolkArt Paint.

I added the flower pieces, feather and ribbon trim to the crowns with cool temp hot glue. These crowns are ready to rule the back yard and maybe even the world!