Drinking wine and crafting are two of my favorite pastimes, and today I’m combining them into one fun, super simple DIY project. I’m sharing an easy no-sew felt wine coaster project that functions as both a coaster and a wine marker so you don’t drink someone else’s wine by mistake. Win win! Keep reading to check out the full tutorial… it’s surprisingly easy!
Begin by tracing around the bowl with a Sharpie. Be careful not to get marker on the bowl… if you do, wash it right away with soap and water. Trace a second circle next to the first one.
Measure the radius of the circle (from the middle of the circle to the edge). To create the opening for the wine glass, fold one felt circle in half and cut a slit that is the same length as the radius of that you just measured. Unfold it and fold it in half the other way and repeat the same cut so that you end up with an X shape.
Place the paper circle in the center of the other felt circle and put a line of hot glue around the perimeter as shown above. Remove the paper circle and place the cut felt circle on top.
Draw a pattern around the outside of the circle (place the paper circle in the middle and make sure you don’t cut inside of it) and then cut the excess off. Make sure to cut just inside the marker line so there’s no marker showing on the final piece.
And your first felt wine glass coaster is finished! I did a number of different edge patterns… the easiest one was the zig zag, followed closely by the octagon.
I love that these do double duty – they act as coasters and drink markers so you don’t accidentally drink someone else’s wine. Plus, they add some color and character to your table!
You can also experiment with different color combinations… perhaps you might use two different colors on one coaster, or you might even consider embellishing them with pom poms or other lightweight accents. Have fun with it!
I got a text the other day from my mom. She was asking me if I wanted a collection of magazines that she had held onto from my childhood (if you’re curious, it was a collection of Cricket magazines from the late 70s). Then I got another text — my mom had found an old photo that she wanted to share with me. Then four more texts came my way, each containing a picture or memory of something from the past. It was clear that she was doing some deep cleaning.
When I asked her what she was up to, she replied, “Have you heard of Swedish Death Cleaning?” Um, excuse me??
When I read the words Swedish Death Cleaning, my first thought was, “How morbid!” If you’re found this article, you might be thinking along the same lines as me. No, Swedish Death Cleaning has nothing to do with zombies who enjoy dusting, and no, this trending topic has nothing to do with the similarly-sounding genre of music, Swedish death metal. In spite of its name, this Nordic tradition is actually more happy and wholesome than it is hardcore.
What is Swedish Death Cleaning?
In Sweden, it’s called Döstädning.Dö meaning “death,” and städning meaning “cleaning.” It’s the process of sorting and preparing your belongings in a way that those who come after you will appreciate. This can include everything from shrinking down your wardrobe and cleaning out the attic, to making plans for who gets the dining table and writing up a will.
Swedish Death Cleaning is the process of paring down what you own, so that at the end of your life, your children, spouse, or caregiver is not burdened with an overabundance of stuff and junk to sort through and deal with. This process also benefits the now. Consequently, by thinning out your personal possessions, you have more time to focus on the parts of your life that your really care about, and you spend less time minding all your stuff.
This gentle minimalism also means embracing and cherishing those of your physical possessions that you actually love. And you don’t have to wait until the end of your life to adopt the practice. In fact, it’s better if you get to it sooner rather than later.
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning
After my mom piqued my curiosity about the Swedish death cleanse practice, I decided to do a little reading myself. I picked up a copy of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson. It’s currently the only book on the topic, as far as I could find. It’s a lovely little read that explores the concept of döstädning, and how to apply it to the different areas of your home and life.
I’m pretty lucky that my mom reached out to me first about Swedish Death Cleaning, and that she is already a fairly organized person. Often, the topic of what-to-do-with-all-the-stuff is a hard one to bring up with parents, especially those who have a tendency to be pack-rats. Maybe you’re in a similar situation with parents or in-laws. If so, there are sections in this book that specifically speak to how to approach this delicate topic, from someone who has had to deal with the topic of death more than once.
The Author: Margareta Magnusson
Margareta Magnusson, döstädning expert, ages herself somewhere between eighty and one hundred years old (adorable). Born in Sweden, Magnusson studied design in Stockholm, and later went on be an artist; her work was exhibited in museums in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Gothenburg, just to name a few. Mother to five and having done several rounds of death cleaning for loved ones she has already lost, Magnusson is quite familiar with the need to pare down and stay organized in order to fully enjoy life.
Who is Döstädning for?
Swedish Death Cleaning is for everyone.
Because, everyone dies.
But that fact is not meant to get you down. First of all, coming to terms with the notion that you can’t take your belongings to the grave with you is a good thing! In her book, Magnusson says that those who are too attached to their belongings (also known as pack-rats) are the ones who probably do not a strong grasp on the reality of mortality. They have difficulty with the notion that one day their life will end. So, if the reverse is – if you are open and willing to part with the physical things in your – you open yourself up more to accepting the future, and enjoying the present.
A Swedish Death Cleanse does not mean immediately tossing everything in sight. It’s the slow process that makes this method less painful. Rather than toss everything in the trash, Magnusson suggests saying good-bye to your belongings, and appreciating them on their way out. Likewise, it doesn’t mean living with nothing. It means living with just enough.
Magnusson recommends that if you are nearing retirement, to start the cleaning process earlier, rather than later, as you are more able-bodied now than ever. But you don’t have to wait until you’re in your 60s to adopt some of the practices of Swedish Death Cleaning. Everyone can benefit from thinning out their personal possessions, opening up their lives to enjoying activities and relationships over stuff and collections.
The Process
In Magnusson’s book, she lays out a loose and approachable framework for those who want to start the Swedish Death Cleaning process. Even if you are not at the end of your life, this framework works functions for people who feel overwhelmed by or too attached to their stuff, and need to purge.
Where to Start
It starts with the attic, basement, or storage near the entryway. Essentially, this purge process begins with things that don’t hold sentimental value. If you can start strong, you’re much more likely to stay in momentum throughout the process.
Margareta Magnusson suggests that you tell your friends and family that you’re death cleaning – they might be willing to lend a hand, and they might be interested in taking some of your stuff off your hands! Or, maybe your cleaning will inspire them to do a little purging of their own, and you can encourage each other throughout the process. However, Magnusson warns against friends or family members who may encourage you to hold onto too much. She says that if you can’t make a decision about an item, try reaching out to a third-party. An unbiased source can look at the situation and weigh the facts without getting hung up on the sentimentality.
Start with large items first, and finish with the small. Smaller items tend to have a higher emotional value, and will be more time-consuming to sort. Save those old letters and photos until the very end of the process!
To get a complete look at the process, I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. It’s a short, sweet read that cuts right to the subject of passing from the viewpoint of someone who has dealt with death many times. If you are the child of a mom or dad who is holding onto too much stuff, get a copy for your parent as well.
In Summary
Death cleaning is as much for you as it is for your loved ones. For those in your life, it means that their final memory of you isn’t one of burdensome sorting, organizing, and dealing with your junk.
Thinning and limiting your personal possessions can lead to a happier life, too. With less clutter to distract your time and efforts, you can enjoy the things in life that really matter: relationships and experiences.
Swedish Death Cleaning means living with less. It means embracing reality, and most importantly, it means enjoying the now.
Even if you love living in an urban environment, achieving a more down-home country feel at home is still easily achieved. You don’t have to change your entire interior design to a more farmhouse look with knitted doilies, a rocking chair, and random pictures of watermills and cornfields. In fact, achieving a modern rustic look in your living space relies on inspiration more than a countrified makeover.
Ready to create the perfect balance between modern and traditional in your abode? In this article, we’ve put together six rustic home interior design ideas to help you transform your home into a gorgeous oasis of cozy comfort and sleek modernity.
While many interior designers like to use warm shades of greens, creams, grays, and browns for a rustic aesthetic, this doesn’t mean your rooms need to look dull and dark. In fact, you can opt to use lighter shades in these color palettes to achieve a traditional feel while adding modern bursts of hues as accents. For example, a vibrant burnt orange or strawberry red can add vibrance without overpowering the relaxed country atmosphere you’re trying to create.
You can further enhance this effect by only using warmer rustic tones in rooms facing north and choosing wood textures that feature imperfections in the grain.
2. Create Focal Points with Key Fixtures
Details are important in any interior design, but especially for rustic styles. You want to convey a crafted, laid-back ambiance. To do this, you’ll need to draw the eye to specific focal points in a room.
For example, the finishes you choose on your doors and hardware, such as brushed brass door handles on a walnut door, vintage glass knobs, and oversized vintage key plates. This attention to detail catches the eye and transports your visitors to nostalgic times and good memories.
Fireplaces are an especially great choice for creating this effect in any room with the natural elements of stone, fire, and wood, which are often associated with country living. Working with a hearth & fireplace installer in Bedford, PA, can ensure you maximize the warmth and beauty of any room you choose to enhance with this key feature.
Another popular trend in modernized rustic interior designs is incorporating reclaimed items into the layout. For example, reusing old wood, metal, and stone can bring another level of coziness and character to a normally bland room. This creative approach is also popular because it’s eco-friendly and supports a sustainable lifestyle many of us want to enjoy. Traditional country living relies on this principle, so it’s a great idea to do the same in your modern take on this class style. Consider including older storage chests, reclaimed windows, and even upcycling old farm doors for new uses in your home.
4. Showcase Nature’s Gifts
Rustic homes showcase natural materials like wood, stone, and even heavier fabrics like canvas and burlap. When trying to create a more defined character in a room, consider using some of the following materials to produce a beautiful rustic appeal:
Unfinished rock and wood
Oil-rubbed burl and knotty woods
Classic red bricks
Raw slate and highly textured stone surfaces
Incorporating natural elements like those mentioned above will bring continuity to your rustic style throughout your home.
Varying shades of green are always a must when creating a rustic interior, however, don’t just rely on a paint can! Greenery is essential in your countryesque design plans, and nothing comes back to nature like a few plants.
Even in a minimalist aesthetic, a splash of subtle elegance is easy to achieve if you add a few potted plants to your room. Consider some of the following to include when transforming your home into a rustic getaway:
African violet
English ivy
Peace lily
Spider plant
These species are friendly, modern, and often found in cottage and rustic living spaces as a way to freshen up and brighten a room.
6. Infuse a Sense of Comfort
One thing to remember about rustic interior design is that it focuses on comfort elements. This could be the installation of a fireplace and comfy couch with soft pillows and throws for nights of snuggling with a book and hot chocolate.
Whether you want a cabin in the woods feels or a mountainside recluse, don’t forget the coziness aspect of traditional rustic homes. Some of the following elements would be a great addition to achieving this atmosphere:
Wood or pellet-burning stoves and fireplaces
Bushcraft items like woven baskets and braided rugs
Stone accents, cast iron decor, deer antlers, driftwood art
Conclusion
Are you excited to bring a touch of rustic living to your home’s interior design? Combining some simple, natural elements into your living spaces allows you to enjoy modern minimalism with cozy traditions. Remember that the primary goal of incorporating a country living feel is to create an inviting space filled with comfort, nostalgia, and easy living.
Candy is great, and costumes are fun, but what about the music? Whether you like jammin’ to Monster Mash or prefer to get down to Thriller, music plays a big part in this spookiest of holidays. But there’s more to listen to than just the Ghostbusters theme song (although that is a good one!). Here are 80 songs to get you in the spirit for spirits. From classic haunts to alternative rock, there’s a Halloween playlist here for everyone.
Classic Halloween Playlist
Looking to get immersed in all the classics? We’ve got you, boo. (#ghostjokes?) This list is family friendly!
Hipster Halloween Playlist
Maybe you’re in the mood for goblins and ghouls, but want some different music to listen to. Treat your inner hipster with this playlist – it’s like Halloween, but not.
Halloween Party Playlist (Not Kid-Friendly)
Throwing a Monster Mash of your own? Here’s a playlist of tunes sure to fill the dance floor. From thematic new hits to classics like Superstition and Somebody’s Watching Me, this Halloween playlist will put you in the mood to party. This list contains explicit language, so it’s not for kids’ parties!
So, what you do you think? Were there any songs you felt should’ve been on these playlists but were left out? What’s your favorite spooky song? Let us know in the comments!
Even if the weather where you live is still summer-like, the calendar is telling us that now is the time to transition into an autumn mindset. Use the fresh start of this new season to reset and plan. Make yourself an autumn bucket list and have the best fall ever!
Relishing pumpkin-spiced drinks, wearing plaid, and finding new places to display decorative gourds are important, but your autumn bucket list can be more than a catalog of happy fall activities. It’s a tool to help you be intentional about what is most valuable: the relationships in your life, the beauty around you, new experiences and familiar traditions. Read on for a few suggestions.
Play Pumpkin Fairy
This time of year, pumpkins and gourds are for sale at every turn. Take the opportunity to buy one for a neighbor, co-worker, or friend. It is a low-key and unexpected way to do something nice. Every time they see it on their porch or desk, the reminder will brighten their day.
Engage your Nose
Harness your sense of smell to send a signal of change to your brain. Make stove-top potpourri, buy a new candle, or use a fall essential oil blend around your home.
Visit an Apple Orchard
It is a festive outing, for sure, but there is something more to be gained from picking apples than great Instagram pictures. Most of us don’t have much of a connection to harvesting in our everyday lives. There’s something very special about picking your own food, and it’s a great opportunity to make memories with those close to you. Take advantage of this time of year and visit an orchard!
Host a Potluck
Don’t let the season pass without making time for the relationships that are important to you! Invite friends, neighbors, and/or family for a potluck dinner. Consider a pumpkin food theme or a flannel dress code. With everyone pitching in, the gathering doesn’t have to be a chore.
Cheers to Gratefulness
Photo: Raw Pixel
Buy some apple cider and be intentional about making a toast to the abundance in your life. You can do this alone or in a group, at a feast or just a Tuesday dinner of leftovers. Thankfulness is worth cultivating.
Be Practical, and Check in on Your Home
Photo: Tomo Nogi/StockSnap
Take some time to change your furnace air filters and schedule a furnace check to avoid the inconvenience of meeting the first cold snap of the season with no heat. Also, think back and if you cannot remember the last time you changed the batteries in your smoke alarm do it today. Start the process of getting your home ready for winter. Once the leaves have fallen, take some time to clean your gutters or schedule someone to do it for you. Come spring, you will be so glad you did.
This is a classic autumn bucket list activity that needs little explanation. If you’re looking to do something different, a quick internet search will give you plenty of ways to carve or decorate pumpkins. Any effort you expend is worth it. Let your creativity shine!
Get Lost
Make plans with your most entertaining friends to meet at a corn maze. There is not a clear explanation why wandering around in a corn field generates hilarity, but it does. It always does.
Now that you have harvested your crop of apples, turn some of them into apple butter. This is the easiest of recipes and nearly impossible to mess up. If you haven’t tried it yet, homemade apple butter will elevate your oatmeal, yogurt, toast, or bagel to new heights of enjoyment!
Display an Autumn Memento
Go into your photo archives and find a picture from a past fall that makes you smile. Don’t worry about composition or if it meets the standards for a technically impressive photograph. If the picture brings you a happy feeling, it doesn’t matter if the subjects are squinting or out-of-focus. Print it out and put it somewhere you will see it all season long.
Share this list on Pinterest!
What else will you be adding to your Autumn bucket list? Leave a comment and let us know!
Halloween can get cheesy fast. Just look around your local craft stores, and you’ll see ghosts and goblins and witches galore. But there are ways to decorate your home for the holiday in a more sophisticated way… and we set out to find 15 of the very best. Click through to check them out.
5. For an oh-so-spooky tablescape, use black dishes and a black tablecloth and add a few pops of color in the form of orange flowers. Learn more here. [Photo: The Decorista]
