Phase 2 of The House Behind The Trees ~ The downstairs #TeelsBuildaHouse

So we are starting the downstairs ... I HATE to say basement because we had a basement in our old home, where you opened a door and went down stairs separated from anything else. It was a finished basement complete with a bedroom, craft room, family/game room and we spent a lot of time there ~ our oldest son moved down there in jr high and stayed through high school ... until we finished the master suite in the attic then he moved back up to the bedroom floor with his brother and sister.  So here our downstairs is open to the rest of the house, you can see through to the outside from the top of the stairs going down because we have a wall of windows down there as well.  We really didn't plan to have a kiddo down there but since we are having to do a switch-a-roo with rooms (I'll explain later) he is moving home soon and will be downstairs. Anyhoo, our downstairs will house our main family room, our middle sons room, a full bath and kitchenette.  I thought it would be fun ...

Get ready for Spring.Summer nights outside with these fun and easy DIY projects that will light-up any backyard party.

Perforated Can Lanterns
Raid the recycle bin for soup cans, and tap a pattern of holes in their sides to create these radiant cylinders. And don't forget this clever trick: Fill the cans with water and freeze them first to avoid denting the cans as you puncture them.

Upcycled Chandelier Centerpiece
Look closely: This graceful table topper is made from chandelier light shades! Find some at a flea market (or your garage, perhaps?) and flip them over to use as votive holders.

Frosted Glass Jars
These candle-lit lamps emit a soft glow, thanks to a super-simple frosting process. Add wire for hanging, or group together as a table centerpiece.

Repurposed Radiator Covers
Here's a double-duty DIY we can stand behind: Radiator covers create beautful beams when wrapped around candles. Who knew?



Mini Mason Tea Lights
With just a couple hardware-store staples and some inexpensive mini mason jars, you can whip up a slew of charming candle holders to surround your space.

Origami String Lights
All you need is some plain white paper and nimble fingers to create this festive display. For safety, chose a string of LED bulbs, which don’t heat up.

Wine Bottle Hurricanes
A classy conversation starter, these carefully cut wine-bottle spouts impress guests and protect candle flames from evening breezes.

Cement Candleholders
Molding this garden decoration is a cinch once you know the secret: Rapid-set cement won’t bond to plastic. These tea-light holders were made with disposable food containers and yogurt cups.

Glowing Globe
It may look other-worldly, but this bright orb uses some garden-variety supplies: a thrift-store light-fixture glass shade, a flower pot, and some mini string lights.

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