woodland Archives - Soap Deli News

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Handmade Wood Tree Branch Shelf DIY

My favorite homemade Christmas gift this year was this handmade wood tree branch shelf that my son made for me. I actually had discovered a similar handmade white birch forest wall shelf via etsy and pointed out to my son how awesome it was and that I’d love to have one made for me. He didn’t disappoint. It’s perfect for holding a few books and knick knacks. I added a felt rose brooch I had to the tree branches to personalize it and give it a pop of color. I think these would look super cute with several of these grouped together either in a square format or stacked vertically.

To make your own you’ll need two 18″ L x 3.5″ W boards for the top and bottom of the shelf and one 10.5″ L x 3.5″ W for the side. (You can probably get a large home improvement store to cut the boards for you if you don’t have access to a power saw of some type.) Then cut an assortment of three tree branches so they are 10.5″ tall and piece it all together with a bit of wood glue and finishing nails. Customize the final look by staining or painting the wood to suit.

For more great home accessory and home decor ideas that you can buy as well as DIY, be sure to follow my For the Home board on Pinterest.

Don’t be a stinker!

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Our neighborhood is a haven for skunks. At least once a week you can smell them lurking around, probably ticked off by a neighbor’s dog or a car that cut too close. Last week I was taking my miniature doxie, Jasper, out for a 3am pee just as a fat and happy skunk came waddling down the driveway. Needless to say Jasper and I both went back the way we came and I ended up taking him out at the back of the house. Despite their distinctive and downright disgusting odor, there seems to be a niche market for those with a fascination for skunks. From amusing stuffed animals to home decor to clothing and costumes to art, these woodland creatures might actually be charming if they didn’t smell so bad.

Skunk N’ Pickle Print – 8×10, $15 from Fall Down Tree

Of course, we ourselves, don’t like to smell bad either. So we tackle the dirt with soaps and body washes, and of course deodorant. Not all deodorants are created equal though, and many of us are becoming more consciousness about what type of ingredients we put on our skin. There’s long been a debate about the use of aluminum in antiperspirant, but finding a deodorant that can kick the stink? Well, that can sometimes be a challenge. So here’s a simple, handmade Quick Stick Deodorant recipe from Little House in the Suburbs Blog. Just click here for the full how to. It’s made using natural baking soda, cornstarch, tea tree essential oil, and a tiny bit of coconut oil pressed into an empty deodorant container. Now you can wear a natural deodorant and not be a stinker.