5 fun ways to decorate for spring

(BPT) – Spring is the perfect time to shake things up with your home decor. As Mother Nature transforms her landscape with fresh buds and blooms, you’re probably longing to refresh your home, too. These five easy craft projects are perfect family activities and the results will add touches of springtime throughout the house.

Rain boot wreath

Do you have a pair of rain boots your kids have grown out of? Use these as an adorable way to display silk flowers in the entryway. Simply select your favorite long-stem flowers from your local craft store (hint: tulips are perfect for spring). Have kids help arrange flowers inside boots and then hang with a large decorative ribbon on your door.

Thumbprint flower pots

Jazz up boring terracotta pots with acrylic paint and the tiny fingerprints from your mini helpers. Have kids wear a smock (acrylic paint can stain), then carefully dip fingertips into paint and press onto the pot. For example, red fingerprints can be turned into cute ladybugs with a few black details when dry. You can also use fingerprints to create flowers, butterflies and more.

Flip-flop welcome sign

Favorite warm-weather foot gear can be used to create a cute sign welcoming guests to your home. Buy four pairs of colorful flip flops from any dollar store. Line up and then adhere each side together with hot glue (eight flip-flops total glued together). On the heel of each sandal paint a letter from “Welcome!” When done, let kids adorn with colorful gems, stickers, and other fun spring details.

PEEPS spring centerpiece

PEEPS is the quintessential springtime candy, but is also great when used in crafts like this colorful centerpiece. Just follow these easy DIY directions and you’ll create a centerpiece that will be a real conversation starter for kids and adults alike. For more project ideas, visit www.marshmallowpeeps.com.

Supplies:

4-inch cube vase
6-inch cube vase
Jelly beans
30 Gerbera Daisies or silk flowers of choice
20 PEEPS Bunnies

Directions:

1. Center one vase inside the other and insert jelly beans (in any colors you like) between the walls of the two cubes.

2. Place PEEPS on top of jelly beans, making sure to save a few for the corners of the vase. Don’t be afraid to squeeze them into the space. You should have enough to fill in any gaps.

3. Gerberas are usually sold with plastic tubes on the stems for support. Keeping the plastic in place, cut the flowers to desired length and arrange them in the smaller vase.

4. Cutting shorter stems for the outside flowers and longer stems for the inner ones will give you a nice rounded top. And don’t skimp on flowers: If you don’t want to use that many gerberas, find a pair of smaller vases.

Pastel painted pine cones

Take kids on a nature walk and collect pine cones. Brush off dirt and allow to dry if moist. Then, lay out paper and have kids paint pine cones in festive pastel colors. Mint green, soft pink and sky blue are classic spring hues. Once dry, display in a decorative bowl and hang from strings in front of a window.