Printable designs created by Striped Cat Studio, photos by Studio DIY.

Have you ever entered a costume contest or won an award for your outfit? If not, this is a great opportunity to try—costume contests are lighthearted, inclusive, and perfect for highlighting creativity. One memorable moment from our circle: Bella entered a contest and took home a prize, proving that a thoughtful or spirited costume can really stand out.

To prepare your own contest: choose a handful of award categories, print a few copies of each certificate, and set up a simple judging system. Invite guests to vote, appoint a small panel of judges, or award prizes based on audience applause. Small ribbons, candy, or themed trinkets work well as prizes and keep the focus on fun rather than competitiveness.

If you want more ideas and DIY projects for Halloween, explore additional resources and printable templates to help you plan decorations, costumes, and party activities that suit any age or theme.

The post Printable Halloween Costume Award Certificates — Free Downloads first appeared on Dunden Sonra.

Recently I was hunting for the perfect floor lamp for the big kid’s room we’re updating. The room had never had a dedicated reading lamp and after swapping out furniture and accents it became clear a lamp would make a big difference. I ended up finding a lovely rattan lamp on Facebook Marketplace, but along the way I saved more than a dozen inspiring options to a Pinterest board. Rather than let that list sit unused, I decided to share a curated selection of unique floor lamps here.

Whether you need a floor lamp for a child’s bedroom, a cozy reading nook, or to elevate a living room, the right lamp can change a space. Many floor lamps feel utilitarian or office-like, but choosing one with character transforms the room and adds warmth. Below is a diverse roundup of 15 unique floor lamps that span styles, materials, and price points—designed to suit budgets from affordable finds to investment pieces.

15 Unique Floor Lamps to Consider

This selection includes colorful statement pieces and many neutral, timeless options in white, brass, wood, and natural textures so you can find a lamp to complement any room aesthetic.

1. Yellow Floor Lamp — a bright, cheerful accent that brings playfulness to a child’s room or a modern living space.

2. Ivory Floor Lamp — a soft neutral that blends seamlessly with warm, minimalist, or Scandinavian interiors.

3. Rattan Floor Lamp — natural texture and warm tones add organic charm and a relaxed, coastal or boho vibe.

4. Sculptural Wood Lamp — an artisanal piece with sculptural form, ideal as a functional statement object.

5. Pink Fringe Floor Lamp — whimsical and feminine, perfect for adding pattern and movement to a corner.

6. White Turned Wood Floor Lamp — classic turned details in a clean finish for traditional or modern-traditional rooms.

7. White & Brass Task Floor Lamp — a practical, adjustable design with elegant brass accents for targeted reading light.

8. Red Shade Wooden Floor Lamp — a bold shade that pops; also available in yellow, blue, and white for flexible styling.

9. Wood & Brass Floor Lamp — combines warm wood and metallics for a refined, layered look.

10. Otomi Floor Lamp — a colorful, patterned option that adds global-inspired flair and playful texture.

11. Gold Knot Floor Lamp — an eye-catching sculptural brass piece that works as both light and sculpture.

12. Brass Palm Floor Lamp — sleek brass with an elegant palm motif for a touch of vintage glamour.

13. Antique Gold Floor Lamp — a traditional metallic finish that brings warmth and character to a room.

14. Wood & Metal Floor Lamp — industrial-modern pairing of materials for versatile, contemporary styling.

15. Pink Turned Floor Lamp — a painted turned-wood silhouette that’s charming and unexpected.

How to choose the right floor lamp:

• Consider scale: taller lamps suit high ceilings and large seating areas; smaller lamps work well beside narrow chairs or in cozy corners.
• Think about function: task lamps with adjustable heads are best for reading, while diffused shades create ambient, soft light.
• Match materials: tie the lamp’s finish to existing metals or wood tones in the room for a cohesive look.
• Use color strategically: a bright lamp can act as an accent, while neutrals maintain a calm palette.

Each of these lamps brings its own personality—some add sculptural interest, others offer warmth through natural materials, and a few serve as playful pops of color. If you’re refreshing a room, adding a floor lamp is a relatively small change that creates immediate coziness and functionality. Personally, I’m head over heels for the Otomi lamp for its vibrant pattern and joyful presence, but the right choice depends on your room’s scale and style.

Which is your favorite? Consider the room’s mood and how you’ll use the lamp—reading, ambient light, or decorative impact—then choose the style that best supports that purpose.

The post Stylish Floor Lamps for Every Budget: Affordable to Premium Options first appeared on Dunden Sonra.

If childhood nostalgia lights you up, these Strawberry Shortcake Halloween costumes will be right up your alley. We’ve broken down five easy-to-make character looks that you can assemble from ready-made clothing and a few inexpensive accessories. Many items can be swapped for similar pieces you already own, so don’t feel you must buy everything listed.

Below you’ll find step-by-step instructions and simple supply lists for Strawberry Shortcake and four of her friends. No sewing required—mostly hot glue and felt, plus a handful of classic accessories and clothing, are all you need.

How To Make a Strawberry Shortcake Costume

Strawberry Shortcake is the centerpiece of the group and surprisingly easy to recreate. Key details include a red dress, a white apron, green diamonds on the apron, striped socks, brown shoes, and a bonnet-style shower cap decorated with a felt strawberry.

Supplies Needed

• Red dress
• White apron
• Pink shower cap (used as a bonnet)
• Green & white striped socks
• Brown shoes
• Red and green felt
• Scissors
• Hot glue

Assemble the look by layering the white apron over the red dress. Cut green felt into diamond shapes and glue them to the lower front of the apron. Create a large strawberry from red felt and a stem from green felt, then attach them to the shower cap to serve as Strawberry Shortcake’s bonnet.

For the apron

1. Cut three diamond-shaped pieces of green felt, about 4 inches wide each. Arrange them across the bottom front of the apron with roughly 1 inch between each piece.

2. Use hot glue to secure the diamonds in place. Let the glue cool and set before moving on.

For the strawberry hat

1. Cut a rounded triangular strawberry shape from red felt—wider at the top and tapered toward the bottom.

2. Draw and cut a small leafy top and stem from green felt.

3. Hot glue the red strawberry to the center of the shower cap and overlap the green stem slightly on top. Allow it to dry completely before wearing.

How To Make a Lime Chiffon Costume

If you’re creating a group costume, Lime Chiffon is a bright, citrusy addition. This look focuses on lime green fabrics, floral accents, and a bow on the shower cap.

Supplies Needed

• Green dress
• White petticoat
• Pink shower cap
• Green ribbon
• Small pink faux flowers
• Green & white striped socks
• Brown shoes
• Hot glue

Layer a white petticoat decorated with small pink flowers under a lime-green dress for the full Lime Chiffon effect. Add a green ribbon bow to the shower cap and finish with green-striped socks and brown shoes.

For the hat

1. Tie the green ribbon into a neat bow and trim any excess.

2. Hot glue the bow to the top of the pink shower cap and let it set before wearing.

To decorate the petticoat

1. Arrange the small pink flowers around the hem or scattered across the petticoat until you like the pattern.

2. Hot glue each flower in place, then allow the glue to fully dry.

How To Make a Raspberry Tart Costume

Raspberry Tart is perfect for anyone who loves pink. This costume layers pinks and adds a green bow detail on the cap for a playful finish.

Supplies Needed

• Pink dress
• Pink gingham long-sleeve shirt (worn under the dress)
• Pink shower cap
• Green bow
• Green & white striped socks
• Brown shoes
• Hot glue

Wear a pink dress over a pink gingham long-sleeve shirt for a layered, cottagecore-inspired look. Attach a green bow to the center of the pink shower cap and finish with striped socks and brown shoes.

For the hat

1. Position the green bow on the center of the shower cap and secure it with hot glue, pressing firmly until set. Allow the glue to cool before wearing.

How To Make an Orange Blossom Costume

Orange Blossom keeps the palette warm with orange tones and familiar Strawberry Shortcake accessories. The orange cardigan over a dress gives the character her cozy, vintage look.

Supplies Needed

• Orange dress
• Orange cardigan
• Orange shower cap
• Green bow
• Green & white striped socks
• Brown shoes
• Hot glue

Pair an orange dress with a matching cardigan. Add a green bow to the orange shower cap and complete the outfit with striped socks and brown shoes for a cheerful Orange Blossom costume.

For the hat

1. Apply a small dot of hot glue to the center of the orange shower cap and press the green bow into place. Let the glue set completely before wearing.

How To Make a Lemon Meringue Costume

Lemon Meringue has one of the simplest looks to recreate: a sunny yellow dress and a flowered shower cap. It’s an easy, recognizable choice that pairs nicely with any Strawberry Shortcake group.

Supplies Needed

• Yellow dress
• Yellow shower cap
• Pink faux flower
• White or yellow collared shirt (optional layer)
• Green & white striped socks
• Brown shoes
• Hot glue

Create the Lemon Meringue look by wearing a yellow dress, adding a pink faux flower to the shower cap, and finishing with striped socks and brown shoes. A collared shirt underneath can add a bit more period-accurate charm.

For the hat

1. Put a small amount of hot glue in the center of the yellow shower cap and press the faux pink flower into place. Let the glue dry thoroughly before wearing.

More Throwback Group Costume Ideas

If you love nostalgic group costumes, Strawberry Shortcake is just the start. Similar throwback themes from the ’80s and ’90s also make fantastic group looks and are typically easy to assemble with everyday wardrobe pieces and a few craft-store finds.

Strawberry Shortcake costumes make a delightful, approachable group costume for friends or family. With basic garments and a quick trip to the craft store for felt, ribbon, and flowers, you can recreate these iconic characters in a few hours without sewing.

The post DIY Strawberry Shortcake Costume Ideas for Kids and Adults first appeared on Dunden Sonra.

Supplies:
25 mini take-out boxes (I found mine at World Market in a variety of colors and patterns)
Number stickers (available at office supply stores)
Small treats or surprises for filling the boxes

Instructions: Place a number sticker on each box, then fill each one with your chosen treat or surprise. That’s it—simple and quick! These boxes are easy to customize, so tailor the contents to your family’s tastes and traditions.

Display options: Stack the boxes into a tower, arrange them on a shelf, or spread them across a table. Let kids help arrange and decorate—shaking and peeking into the boxes adds to the excitement.

All photos by Studio DIY

These vibrant colors bring a festive, playful vibe to the season. If advent calendars aren’t your thing, the small boxes also make charming party favors or gift containers.

For more inspiration, explore other DIY advent calendar ideas and seasonal projects to build on this colorful concept.

The post DIY Takeout Box Advent Calendar: 24 Creative Gift Ideas first appeared on Dunden Sonra.

I meant to share this for a while! I documented the process in my Instagram stories when I made a custom birthday candle using a cookie cutter for Arlo’s first birthday. Many asked for a full tutorial, so here it is. This method is surprisingly simple, uses basic supplies, and can be adapted to any shape or party theme.

Party photos by Mary Costa Photography | Cloud cake by Alana Jones Mann

I still have Arlo’s candle and probably will hang on to it forever. It’s amazing how simple this is — and how personal you can make a candle with just a cookie cutter and a few supplies.

The post Create Custom Birthday Candles Using a Cookie Cutter first appeared on Dunden Sonra.

Supplies
– Balloons (inflated with helium or air)
– Gold craft paint
– Paint brushes (vary sizes and bristle types for different effects)
– Water (for thinning paint)
– Tarp or protective covering (this gets messy)

How to splatter
For the best splatter, thin your paint. I used approximately a 3:1 paint-to-water ratio; results vary by paint brand and finish, so test and adjust. Mix with a brush until it reaches a consistency that flicks easily but still holds pigment. Before you start, protect your entire workspace with a large tarp and wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on.

Dip a brush into the thinned paint, hold the balloon by its tail, and fling or tap the brush to create splatters. You can experiment with flicking, tapping, or swinging the brush to achieve different marks. Larger splatters may drip slightly down the curved surface as they dry; that natural drip can be part of the look. I liked combining softer-bristled brushes for fluid drips with smaller, stiffer brushes for fine speckles. When you’re satisfied with the coverage, let the balloons dry completely and avoid letting them touch each other while drying. Dry time varies by paint, but mine were mostly dry in about 30 minutes.

Styling and ideas
These gold-splattered balloons make a pretty statement for showers, birthdays, or photo backdrops. They’d work beautifully on white balloons with colorful splatters or on colored balloons with white or metallic paint. Consider making it a party activity—set up a protected station, provide different brush types and paint colors, and let guests create their own splattered balloons. The look is relaxed, creative and surprisingly elegant.

All photos by Studio DIY

I have more splatter-paint projects planned, so watch for those. In the meantime, try this gilded balloon idea for your next celebration and have fun experimenting with colors and textures.

The post Gold Splatter Paint Balloons: DIY Party Decor Tutorial first appeared on Dunden Sonra.

Players of any age fill in a bingo card and receive a small prize when they win. Candy conversation hearts work great as reusable markers, but themed stickers or other small tokens work well too.

Using removable markers makes it easy to play multiple rounds without reprinting the cards.

Supplies Needed

You’ll only need a few basic supplies to play Valentine’s Day Bingo:

• Free Printable Valentine’s Day Bingo (PDF)
• Printer paper or cardstock
• Printer
• Scissors
• Candy hearts, themed stickers, or other small markers to cover called spaces

How to Make Valentine’s Day Bingo Cards

Start by printing the bingo sheets and the calling cards. The printable PDF includes multiple unique bingo cards—print as many as you need for your group. The final two pages of the PDF contain the calling cards; print and cut these out to create your draw pile.

With many card variations included, the whole class or party can play at once. For larger groups, consider pairing players or forming small teams.

How to Play Bingo

Cut apart the calling cards from the last two pages of the PDF to form your draw pile.

Hand each player a bingo card and a supply of markers—candy hearts, Valentine’s stickers, or small tokens work well.

Place the cut calling cards into a bowl or hat. Draw one card at a time and show it to players so they can mark the corresponding space on their card.

The first player to complete five icons in a row—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—wins the round.

Prizes can be simple treats like candy, heart lollipops, or conversation heart-themed snacks.

More Ways to Use Valentine’s Day Bingo Cards

This versatile game fits many occasions. Try these ideas:

• Galentine’s Day: Add bingo to the lineup of activities for a fun girls’ night.
• Movie Night: Play along during a rom-com and mark icons you spot on screen.
• Classroom Parties: A simple, engaging group activity kids enjoy at school parties.
• Family Gatherings: Play at the dinner table after a heart-shaped pizza—winner gets a fun perk like skipping the dishes.

Other Valentine’s Day Activities to Try

If you enjoy Valentine’s Day Bingo, you’ll likely appreciate other easy, hands-on Valentine activities. These turn simple gatherings into memorable celebrations and keep the festive energy going throughout the season.

• Printable last-minute valentines
• DIY candy-themed valentines
• Reusable and consumable classroom valentine ideas
• Valentine’s-themed nail ideas or simple pampering projects

Use these printables and activities to make February celebrations lively and memorable. Share the smiles and enjoy a festive Valentine’s Day season with friends, family, or classmates.

The post Valentine’s Day Bingo Game: Printable Cards & Party Ideas first appeared on Dunden Sonra.

It’s finally here—welcome to Studio DIY™, a fresh, comprehensive resource for handmade and DIY events. Whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday, baby shower, bridal shower, holiday gathering, or any other celebration, Studio DIY is designed to inspire and guide you every step of the way.

Studio DIY features a wide variety of real handcrafted events that showcase thoughtful details and creative execution. You’ll find inspiration across themes and color palettes, along with step-by-step DIY projects, free printables, and recipes to help you bring your own event to life. Each event type is represented by its own symbol to help you quickly find what you need—check the “Look for…” tag in the sidebar for a clear, at-a-glance guide.

Beyond blog features, Studio DIY is a practical hub full of curated resources. The “Find DIY” section includes three focused guides:

• Handmade Vendor Guide—A curated list of top crafters and Etsy sellers who can create custom pieces when you prefer to leave certain elements to the professionals.
• Craft Supply Guide—Sources for specialty craft supplies, packaging, and small details you might not find locally to complete your projects.
• Handmade Gift Guide—Thoughtful gift ideas for every occasion, whether you’re congratulating an expectant mother, shopping for a child’s friend, or selecting a distinctive present for a party host.

Studio DIY also connects you with local creative communities. The “Local DIY” section highlights craft fairs, flea markets, antique shows, and other events in your region—perfect for getting out, exploring, and supporting local makers. Click your region on the map to discover nearby events and markets.

I’m thrilled to share this project with you—this launch is only the beginning. Expect seasonal inspiration, new DIY tutorials, and fresh ideas to help you create memorable, handcrafted gatherings. Come back often to find new ways to celebrate, create, and get your craft on.

With love and creativity,

Kelly

P.S. Handmade vendors and craft suppliers: basic listings in the vendor guide are complimentary. If you’d like to be included, be sure to submit your information.

P.P.S. Have a local craft event or flea market to share? Email your submission to the site’s contact address to be considered for the Local DIY listings.

P.P.P.S. If you or a vendor have created standout details for a party and want them featured here, please submit your event for consideration—Studio DIY is always looking for beautiful, handcrafted inspiration.

The post Welcome to Studio DIY: Creative Craft Ideas and Projects first appeared on Dunden Sonra.

Have you ever tried pressing flowers? It’s a lovely way to preserve blooms from a special event so you can enjoy the memory long after the bouquet has faded. In this guide I’ll show you how to press flowers quickly in the microwave—often in under two minutes—then turn them into keepsake frames to gift or display at home.

Preserving memories is one of my favorite projects, and pressed flower frames make thoughtful presents for Mother’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, or just because. They’re an elegant way to hold onto a moment and make a fresh bouquet last for years.

What flowers and greenery work best for pressing?

Different flowers respond differently to pressing—some keep their color, others shift tones, and some are easier to flatten than others. Naturally flat blooms like daisies, asters and chamomile press very well. Filler flowers such as statice also produce beautiful results even when left on the stem.

Color changes are common: yellow hues hold up well, bright pinks often shift toward purple, and pale pastels can fade. Among foliage, some leaves retain their color while others, like eucalyptus, deepen to an olive tone. Thick blooms such as roses are the most challenging to press; you can cut them in half or press individual petals for best results.

Part of the fun is experimenting—watch how each bloom alters in size, shape and color as it dries.

What You’ll Need to Press Flowers

Basic supplies for microwave flower pressing:

• Fresh flowers and/or greenery
• Paper towels or 100% cotton rags
• A heavy, microwave-safe dish or container to act as a weight
• A microwave

How To Press Flowers in the Microwave

Follow these simple steps to press flowers in minutes using a microwave.

1. Cut blooms and leaves to the size you want. You can leave stems on or remove them—just trim so everything fits comfortably in the microwave. For leaves, you may press them whole or remove individual leaves.

2. Lay the blooms flat on a paper towel or on one side of a cotton rag. Position petals exactly as you want them to dry—smoothing and flattening will give the best pressed shape.

3. Cover the flowers with another paper towel or fold the rag over them to sandwich the blooms.

4. Place the sandwich in the microwave and set a heavy, microwave-safe dish on top to provide gentle pressure. For thicker flowers you don’t need to press the weight down firmly—just resting it on top is usually enough.

5. Microwave on half power for 90 seconds, then check the flowers. They should feel dry and papery. If they still retain moisture, continue drying in 30-second intervals, checking each time. After removing them from the microwave let them cool completely—colors and stiffness will settle as they finish drying.

How To Make A Flower Memory Frame

After pressing, you can create a framed keepsake. A floating frame works particularly well because it showcases the pressed pieces against a clear background. Depending on the frame and the thickness of the flowers, a small adhesive dot can help hold elements in place.

Once you have a frame, decide how you want to compose the arrangement. Here are three styling ideas:

1. Alongside a photo or card: Create a mini-collage with a photo, invitation or card paired with pressed blooms. Place the photo centrally or off to one side and let a few flowers overlap the edge to connect the elements visually.

2. Focus on greenery: For a neutral, botanical look, arrange a variety of leaves with different shapes and tones. This creates a subtle, natural piece that works with many decor styles.

3. Create a bouquet composition: Keep stems intact and arrange the pressed pieces like a dried bouquet. Gather stems at the bottom and fan blooms upward to mimic a natural bouquet shape inside the frame.

How To Gift & Display Pressed Flower Art

Display your finished pieces like any other artwork. They look lovely on a gallery wall, hung individually, or leaned on a shelf, mantle or dresser. A pressed flower frame also makes a meaningful gift—pair a bouquet with a frame so the recipient can preserve the flowers as a lasting keepsake.

Photos by Jeff Mindell

The post Quick Method to Press Flowers in Under 2 Minutes + DIY Keepsake Frames first appeared on Dunden Sonra.

Confetti suits almost every celebration, so we always keep plenty on hand. With New Year’s Eve approaching, here’s an updated, SEO-friendly guide to the best types of confetti, how to use them, and ideas for DIY projects and decorations. If confetti isn’t part of your holiday plans yet, it should be!

Confetti comes in countless shapes, sizes, and colors. To help you choose, I’ve grouped my favorites by style and listed practical uses and creative ideas for each type.

Die-cut Shapes

Die-cut confetti is precisely cut into shapes like circles, squares, and diamonds. It’s ideal for stuffing inside balloons, scattering across tables, or using in photo-ready tosses. Because the edges are clean, this style gives a modern, polished look and photographs beautifully—especially when you choose larger shapes.

Sources for confetti pictured above (examples):

Neon square confetti | Mini circle confetti | Large circle confetti | Custom color circles | Tiny square confetti | Neon mix confetti | Pastel diamond confetti

DIY ideas for die-cut confetti:

Use confetti to add color to a table setting | Make confetti-stuffed decorations like holiday turkeys or balloon inserts

This is the same style used on our confetti chairs for a modern look.

Metallic Confetti

Metallic confetti is the classic New Year’s choice. It’s perfect for glamorous décor and small craft accents—especially when you want to “dip” items like balloons or accessories into sparkly bits. Keep in mind metallic pieces can be harder to sweep up, so they work best for DIY projects, packaging, or tabletop displays rather than high-traffic floor tosses.

Examples of metallic styles:

Mini metallic mixes | Bulk gold confetti | Metallic die-cut mixes | Silver star confetti

DIY ideas with metallic confetti:

Confetti-dipped balloons and accessories | Sparkly pencil cases | Confetti-filled jars and gift packaging

Hand-Cut Confetti

Hand-cut confetti feels classic and organic. It’s often the easiest to clean up, making it ideal for confetti poppers, photo booths, and party tosses. Because this style tends to have more volume, a small amount can go a long way visually.

Popular hand-cut variations:

Neon scented confetti (fun scented options) | Funfetti mixes | Hand-cut party mixes | Classic confetti mixes

DIY uses for hand-cut confetti:

Surprise confetti poppers | Favor pouches with confetti | Message confetti poppers and personalized party poppers

Pre-made Poppers and Cannons

If you prefer convenience, there are many ready-made confetti poppers, push-pop tubes, and cannons available. These items make excellent party favors and table props—perfect for placing at each guest’s seat or using for a coordinated countdown moment.

Examples of popular popper styles:

White, gold, and neon crackers | Confetti rockets | Neon wands | Push-pop confetti tubes | White and metallic confetti bombs | Colorful confetti bombs

Additional confetti options shown above: Make It Rain confetti | Jumbo confetti

Photos by Jeff Mindell

My Favorites and Final Tips

My personal top picks include neon scented confetti, Make It Rain confetti, and classic hand-cut mixes. If you live near a party or piñata district, you can find bulk classic confetti in many colors and sizes. For clean-up ease and visual impact, hand-cut mixes are my go-to for most celebrations.

Whether you’re decorating a table, filling balloons, or setting up memorable poppers for guests, there’s a confetti style to fit the mood. Choose die-cut shapes for a modern look, metallics for sparkle, and hand-cut mixes for volume and easy cleanup. Happy celebrating!

p.s. For more party inspiration, check guides on party supplies and candle ideas to round out your celebration styling.

The post Complete Guide to Using Confetti for Parties and Events first appeared on Dunden Sonra.