How to Get Great Results from Your Random-Orbit Sander

This post is sponsored by Home Depot

Everyone likes a smooth, sanded surface on a project, but no one (and I mean absolutely no one) like the tedious process of getting it done. Motorized sanding machines speed up the process greatly, but many of them can be hard to control, or wind up leave swirl marks in the finished surface.

Not so with the random-orbit sander. As the name suggests, its pad follows an entirely random pattern, so you can control the amount of wood removed, and leave your surface free of spirals.

They're great for all kinds of DIY projects, and the only handheld sander I'd recommend for your toolbox.        

Give the Gift of Self-Care with Bath Salts That Smell Like a Christmas Tree

Photo: Rachel Jacks

Though the holidays are supposed to be a relaxing, fun time, for many of us they end up being stress-fests. Between shopping for gifts, preparing holiday meals and treats, and managing family interactions, it can be too easy to end the year feeling worn-out and frazzled. But that's where self-care comes in. Taking the time to give yourself a break can make a huge difference, and if that break takes the form of a hot bath for you, you can incorporate the rejuvenating scent of evergreens via these Christmas tree bath salts. Or package these bath salts up with some other bath luxuries, and give them as a gift!

5 Ways To Wrap Gifts Using Office Supplies

Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

Sometimes I get sick of using the same old gift wrapping supplies every year - they just never seem to run out! So this year I decided to get a little creative with my Christmas gift wrap by using office supplies to decorate plain brown kraft paper packages. And it was surprisingly easy! Click through to see five different ways to wrap gifts using office supplies.   

16 Gift Wrap Ideas that Prove the Wrapping is the Best Part

Photo: A Beautiful Mess

At this point in the month, you might be finished with the shopping and have moved on to the gift wrapping (which is actually my favorite part). Make your gift wrap stand out under the tree with these gift wrap ideas that will make the wrapping just as fun as the buying! Whether you want to DIY or just wrap up a fun wrapping paper, there's an idea to fit your style and aesthetic. From gift toppers to tags to paper patterns, these cute gift wrap ideas are as fun to wrap as they are to open!

Upcycled Glass Bottle Holiday Centerpiece

Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

Believe it or not, we're already halfway through December and if you're hosting a party this holiday season, it's high time you picked out a centerpiece idea for your bash! We can help... today we're sharing a super easy candle centerpiece that uses upcycled bottles and colorful berries. Keep reading to check out the tutorial!   

Do This: Make Cookie Cutter Ice Cubes!

Sometimes I'll have an idea in my head for something I want to try, and that idea will just never leave. It was last Christmas that I wondered to myself, "Can one make ice cubes in cookie cutters??" The previous holiday season got busy fast, so I never got around to testing that hypothesis out. This go round, as I dusted off my holiday cookie cutters, I decided it was time. I tested my theory. The results? Success! Holiday ice cubes - oh yeah!           

Make a Felt Avocado Toast Christmas Ornament For Your Favorite Foodie

Photo: Rachel Jacks

I know people love to mock Millennials for our devotion to avocado toast, but I have no problem admitting that it's one of my favorite breakfasts (and snacks). If you have anyone on your Christmas list who is a fellow avocado-toast-lover, this might be the perfect handmade gift for them.        

Holiday Gifting 101: How to Finish Your Christmas Shopping Without Losing Your Mind in the Process

Shutterstock /  WeStudio

A lot of us (myself included) are dealing with extra emotions during the holidays. Whether it's stress, anxiety, or sheer panic, the gift-giving deadlines that creep up at Christmastime can bring up all sorts of feelings. Maybe it's your nieces and nephews that are stressing you out because you have no idea what kids are even into anymore! Or maybe it's your mother-in-law who who already has everything she could ever want. Or maybe your husband, when asked what he'd like for Christmas, only answers with the not-so-helpful phrase, "Whatever you'd like to get me." 

Fortunately, you're not alone. We're all in this together, and we're going to make it through another Christmas season. So let's take deep dive into Christmas gifts: what people like, where to find it, and how to stay calm until the 25th gets here.          

Easy DIY Reusable Cinch Pouch Gift Bag

Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

It's likely happened to everybody... you have an odd-shaped gift that you're just not sure how to wrap. It's okay, don't have a holiday meltdown! Just make one of these simple cinch pouch gift bags out of a scrap of fabric and some twine. And here's the best part - it's reusable so you can do your part to be a bit more green this December. Click through to check out my simple tutorial.   

How to install backs https://crb.li/2QrOEYL

3 Ways to Give Plain Ornaments a Stylish, Scandi Makeover

Photo: Rachel Jacks

If you've ever been inspired by try a whole new color scheme or style in your Christmas decor, you may have been deterred by the fact that you'd have to replace all of the ornaments you already have. But with a little paint, you can give your ornaments a makeover, saving cash and keeping your old decor out of the landfill. Here's how I gave some glass bulbs a new look, three different ways. 

How to Make a Leather Monogram Stocking

Images by Marlene Sauer

Ahh, the stocking -- a staple of Christmas celebrations! Have your stockings been hung yet? If not, we've got a great modern idea for you today that you will love: DIY leather monogram stockings! They are simple to make and totally in keeping with a minimal holiday decor style. 

If you've never embroidered, don't worry -- you only need to one stitch, the blanket stitch. Keep reading to see how to make your own!       

Gift Guide: 14 Unique Gifts for Those Who Have Everything

From seasoned DIYers, Martha wannabes, lovable geeks, young ones or the young at heart, there's something for everyone on this gift guide no matter what the budget. What's better is that these gifts are unique, so they're perfect for those that have everything, which is just about everybody on my Christmas

Mid-Century Modern # https://crb.li/2E8nq1X

Gift Guide: 14 Sweet and Unique Gifts for Kids

If I'm being honest, I have to admit I spent altogether waaaay too long putting together this gift guide. I just couldn't help getting completely caught up in the myriad of amazing toys and gifts available for kids these days. And best of all, many of them are handmade! Click through for my favorite finds.          

Gift Guide: 10 Great Gifts for Anyone on Your List (Under $40)

Having trouble coming up with ideas for the friends, family, neighbors, etc on your holiday list this year? Check out this list of gifts for anyone on your list (guy or gal),  all under $40. There's a little something for everyone, from sake cups and calendars to woodcut note cards and 

How To: Modern Mountain Clay Ornaments

This holiday season, a group of the Curbly writers decided to team up and each of us created a simple and stylish new Christmas ornament. We're calling it the "Curbly Ornament Challenge" but there's not much competition involved...just a lot of fun, seasonal crafting. See all of the ornaments here.

This year, I am really leaning toward simple and minimal Christmas decor. I purposely went through our boxes and boxes of decorations and intentionally brought out a few select pieces we loved and had a purpose for. Our home has glimpses of Christmas in every room, without the overhaul. Likewise, when it comes to Christmas ornaments I want something that's neat and fresh. It's not always easy to find, which is why these modern mountain clay ornaments are the perfect solution! They take no time at all and are certainly fun to make.