Category Archives: Craft Cabinet

Easy crafts for moms. Open the Craft Cabinet and step into a world of mod podge, markers, and memories. From kid-friendly creations to mom-approved DIYs, this is your go-to spot for projects that spark joy (and maybe a little mess).

How to Make Simmer Pot Jars

If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up the scent of the holidays and hand it to someone with a bow on top—this is it. Simmer pot jars are like a cozy hug in mason jar form: easy to make, budget-friendly, and ridiculously charming. They smell like cinnamon dreams and look like you spent hours crafting (spoiler: you didn’t). Plus, they’re a perfect way to say “thank you” with a little warmth and spice for the host of your next holiday gathering.

From neighbors and teachers to party hosts, these jars are total crowd-pleasers. And the best part? You can customize them to match your vibe, your gift list, or whatever ribbon you found in the back of the junk drawer.

What You’ll Need

For 4 jars (32 oz mason jars):

2 oranges, thinly sliced
2 apples, thinly sliced
12 oz fresh cranberries
8 cinnamon sticks (2 per jar)
1 Tbsp whole cloves (1 tsp per jar)
4 rosemary sprigs
4 pine branches (optional for extra scent)
20 bay leaves (5 per jar)
Parchment paper + baking sheets
Twine or ribbon
Printable gift tags with instructions
Mason jars (cleaned and sterilized)

How to Make Them

Step 1: Dehydrate the Fruit Preheat oven to 200°F. Place orange slices and half the cranberries on one baking sheet, apple slices and the rest of the cranberries on another. Optional: sprinkle apples with cinnamon. Bake for 8–12 hours, flipping every 2 hours. Fruit should be dry and cranberries shriveled.

Step 2: Assemble the Jars Layer dried fruit, spices, rosemary, and pine into each jar. Add 5 bay leaves per jar. Seal the jars and tie with twine or ribbon.

Step 3: Add Gift Tags Include a tag that says: “Add contents to a pot of water. Simmer on low for cozy holiday vibes. Refill water as needed. Enjoy the scent of the season!”

Why It Works

Simmer pot jars are more than just pretty—they’re personal. They invite warmth, nostalgia, and a little bit of magic into someone’s home. And for busy moms or last-minute gifters, they’re a win-win: easy to make, beautiful to give, and totally customizable.

Final Thoughts

So whether you’re channeling your inner Martha or just trying to survive the season with a little grace and a lot of cinnamon, simmer pot jars are your secret weapon. They’re thoughtful without the stress, festive without the fuss, and smell like you actually have your life together—even if your laundry says otherwise.

Print the tags, tie the twine, and gift a little cozy magic. Because in a season full of hustle, a homemade hug in a jar might be just what someone needs.

Happy simmering, friend. And may your holidays be merry, bright, and only mildly sticky from cranberry juice.

With coffee in one hand and a mason jar of magic in the other,

💛Bethany

Crafting with Leaves: 5 Simple Projects to Celebrate Fall’s Beauty

Fall leaves are nature’s confetti—bright, crunchy, and begging to be turned into something beautiful. I was reminded of that on a morning walk with our black lab, who insisted on sniffing every leaf pile like it held the secrets of the universe. As we wandered through the neighborhood, I couldn’t help but notice how the sidewalks were lined with reds, golds, and the occasional stubborn green.

I started picking up a few favorites, thinking about all the ways we could use them—pressed into bookmarks, turned into garlands, or even glued to a cereal box for a makeshift masterpiece. All of them were saved for a weekend of crafting with leaves. There’s something grounding and joyful about turning nature’s leftovers into keepsakes.

If you’re a mom looking for a weekend craft with the kids or simply craving a moment of creative calm, these five simple leaf projects are easy, inexpensive, and totally charming. So grab your favorite mug, leash up the dog, and collect a handful of autumn magic. Let’s make something lovely.

1. Pressed Leaf Bookmarks

Perfect for little hands and big imaginations. Great for gifting or tucking into your latest mom-read.

Press leaves between parchment and heavy books for a few days.
Glue onto cardstock, laminate (optional), and punch a hole for ribbon.
Add a note: “For the stories that fall brings” or “Leaf Me Alone, I’m Reading.”

2. A Textured Fall Tree Canvas

A seasonal keepsake that’s part nature walk, part art therapy—perfect for gallery walls, classroom displays, or gifting to grandparents.

Glue Branches or Draw a tree with branches on canvas or cardstock using brown paint or marker. Keep it simple or add swirls, initials, or tiny critters for flair.
Crumple dry leaves into small pieces—think confetti-sized. Use real leaves from your yard.
Brush Mod Podge or Elmer’s glue over the branches and surrounding area where you want the leaves to stick.
Sprinkle the crumbled leaves onto the sticky canvas. Press gently, then shake off the excess for a textured, fall-inspired effect.
Trim and seal with a final layer of Mod Podge if desired.

3. Leaf Stamping

Layer colors, overlap shapes, and let the messiness be part of the charm.

Collect fresh or slightly dried leaves from your yard or local park. Look for a variety of shapes—oak, maple, and sweetgum work beautifully.
Paint the leaves on the veiny side with (fall tones like red, orange, yellow, and gold).
Press the painted side onto the canvas to make the leaf shapes into trees. Or draw tree branches and press the leaves around the branches to create stamped “foliage”. Press firmly, then lift to reveal the imprint.
Repeat with different leaves and colors to build a layered, textured canopy. Let kids experiment with overlapping and blending.

4. Leaf Lanterns

Soft glow + autumn charm = instant cozy. Set them on your Thanksgiving table or line your porch for a magical evening vibe.

Option 1: Classic Mod Podge Wrap pressed leaves around glass jars using Mod Podge. Let dry for a stained-glass effect that glows beautifully when lit.
Option 2: Silhouette Style Press bold-shaped leaves directly onto the jar, then paint around them using a sponge or brush. Carefully lift the leaves to reveal crisp silhouettes. Let dry for a minimalist, high-contrast look.
Add a tea light or LED candle inside for that warm flicker.
Tie with twine and a cinnamon stick for extra flair—and a hint of fall scent.

5. Leaf Silhouette Painting

Because dramatic contrast makes fall pop. This one’s great for kids who love dramatic contrast and moms who want a quick, satisfying craft with gallery-wall potential.

Choose bold-shaped leaves like maple, oak, or sweetgum—anything with defined edges.
Place the leaves on canvas or paper and hold them in place gently.
Paint around the edges using a sponge or brush. Use fall tones or go bold with black for high contrast.
Lift the leaves to reveal crisp silhouettes. Let dry and add details or doodles if you like.

Final Thoughts

Crafting with leaves is a gentle reminder that beauty doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about slowing down, noticing the details, and turning everyday moments into something memorable. Whether you’re crafting with your kids, your coffee, or just your thoughts, these projects are a sweet way to celebrate the season.

With coffee in one hand and fallen leaves in the other,

💛Bethany

Halloween DIY: Eyeball Topiaries Made Easy

A spooky-sweet Halloween DIY for the mildly macabre.

Okay, confession time: I’m really not into creepy or gory Halloween decor. I know, I know—it’s practically a seasonal requirement. Nevertheless, this year, I decided to lean into the spooky side just a little… mainly because my husband loves all things eerie and unsettling this time of year. As a result, I created these Eyeball Topiaries, a Halloween DIY that’s dramatic, a little weird, and surprisingly chic.

And the best part? Every single item came from Dollar Tree. Budget-friendly and spooky? That’s a win in my haunted book.

Supplies You’ll Need:

Black candlestick holders (plastic or wood)
Styrofoam base (I used a pumpkin shape!)
Plastic eyeballs (the more, the eerier)
Faux black flowers and leaves
Craft glue or hot glue
Optional: black spray paint or glitter for extra flair

How to Make Eyeball Topiaries:

1. Prep Your Base First things first, if your candlestick holders aren’t already black, give them a quick coat of spray paint. Let them dry completely. While you’re at it, go ahead and paint your styrofoam ball or pumpkin base too, just in case it peeks through the faux florals.

Next, glue your styrofoam pumpkin (or ball) securely onto the top of each candlestick to create the topiary base.

Want a taller, more dramatic look? Glue a second candlestick directly on top of the first styrofoam ball, and add another styrofoam ball to the top of that. You’ll end up with a stacked topiary base that’s perfect for layering eyeballs, florals, or spooky accents.

2. Add the Eyeballs Once your base is ready, start gluing plastic eyeballs all over the styrofoam. You can go symmetrical or totally chaotic—either way, choose whatever suits your spooky style. I clustered mine in groups for a slightly “watchful” effect.

3. Fill with Florals After that, tuck faux black flowers and leaves between the eyeballs to fill in gaps and add texture. This step really elevates the look from “crafty” to “creepy-chic.” Additionally, you can add glittery accents or dark feathers for extra drama.

4. Style & Display Finally, place your finished topiaries on a mantel, entryway table, or party buffet. They make great conversation starters and pair perfectly with moody lighting or flickering candles.

Final Thoughts

These eyeball topiaries were a fun way to dip my toe into the spooky side of Halloween without going full horror movie. They’re weird, whimsical, and just creepy enough to make my husband happy.

On the flip side, if spooky or creepy isn’t your vibe, check out my Ghost Family Gallery Tutorial for a softer, sweeter take on Halloween decor. Pink cheeks and bows included.

Happy haunting—your way!

And if you make your own eyeball topiaries, I’d love to see them—tag me on Instagram @ohwaitimamom so we can share the spooky love!

With a coffee in one hand and a plastic eyeball in the other,

💛Bethany

Make a Boo Crew: Easy Ghost Family Craft

Create a DIY Ghost Family Gallery with Printables

This year, ghosts are having a moment—and not the scary kind. Instead, I’m talking adorable apparitions with pink cheeks, tiny bows, and the undeniable urge to hold something cute. From candy buckets to coffee mugs, these little spirits are embracing their accessory era. So naturally, I had to join the trend with a twist that’s totally family-friendly and display-worthy.

Introducing: The Ghost Family Gallery, a reverse canvas craft that turns your crew into the cutest haunted hallway on the block.

Why You’ll Love It

Customizable: Print adult and kid ghosts to match your unique family vibe.
Adorable: Each ghost holds a mini pumpkin, because fall is a mood.
Display-ready: Hang it in your entryway, hallway, or wherever your spooky spirit lives.

What You’ll Need

Printable ghost family set (adult + kid ghosts)
8×10 Dollar store canvas (1 for each ghost)
Mod Podge
Glue
Scissors
X-Acto knife or box cutter (to remove canvas from frame)
Mini pumpkins (or item of choice)
Optional: ribbon, paint, or embellishments for extra flair

How to Make Your Ghost Family Portrait

To begin, print & cut your boo crew. Choose the ghosts that resemble your family. Mix and match adult and kid ghosts to build your haunted household. Cut them out carefully.

Next up: paint your canvas and let it dry like a ghost waiting for midnight mischief.

Once dry, carefully cut along the edge to remove it from the frame, leaving enough excess fabric to reattach later.

Next, pull the leftover canvas loose from the staples and snip off any stubborn stragglers still clinging to the edges.

If you’re feeling bold, paint or decorate the frame for a pop of color and personality.

Then, Mod Podge the ghosts. Arrange each of your ghost members on a canvas backing and glue them down with Mod Podge. Smooth out any bubbles and let dry.

Optional: With the glue still tacky, I used a rolling pin and parchment paper to press out the last of the bubbles.

Reassemble by gluing the canvas to the back of the frame.

Make sure your artwork faces forward and the frame sits proudly in front.

After that, add the pumpkins. Glue a mini pumpkin into each ghost’s hands. It’s the perfect seasonal touch—and yes, it’s ridiculously cute.

Tidy up the edges by trimming any canvas that’s hanging past the frame.

Finally, flip your canvas and glue on some ribbon or string for easy hanging.

Hang it up with eerie confidence—your spooky-sweet gallery is officially ready to haunt the halls in style!

Why It Works

Ultimately, this craft isn’t just about Halloween decor—it’s about celebrating your family in a way that’s festive, funny, and full of heart. Whether your ghosts are holding pumpkins, candy, or tiny coffee cups, they reflect the chaos and charm of real-life parenting. And for moms? It’s a chance to slow down, get creative, and make something that feels personal.

Grab Your Printable Ghost Set

Grab the full ghost family printable below—featuring blank-handed boos just waiting to be accessorized. Then, show off your haunted hallway magic by tagging @ohwait.imamom on Instagram. Let’s celebrate spooky season with sass, sweetness, and a generous splash of Mod Podge!

With coffee in one hand and a ghost in the other,

💛 Bethany

Adult Ghost 1 Download

Adult Ghost 2 Download

Child Ghost 1 Download

Child Ghost 2 Download

DIY Bookmarks: Fall in Love with Reading Again

I love reading. I really do. But between the chaos of everyday life and the siren call of streaming services, my bookshelf has started to look more like a decorative accent than a source of adventure. Still, when fall rolls around, something magical happens: the air gets crisp, the blankets get fluffier, and suddenly, curling up with a good book using one of my DIY bookmarks feels like the only reasonable way to spend an evening.

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