Go Under the Sea With This Mermaid-Inspired Side Table DIY

Step 1: Gather Your DIY Birthday Card Supplies

Before embarking on your DIY birthday card adventure, gathering all the necessary supplies is essential. A well-prepared crafter is a confident crafter! So, let's make sure you have everything you need to bring your imaginative card ideas to life.

1. Start with colored cardstock or paper as the foundation of your cards. Choose a variety of vibrant hues to suit different themes and moods. Scissors are your trusty sidekick, enabling you to precisely cut out shapes, create borders, and trim your cardstock.
2. Grab glue or adhesive tape to hold everything together securely. Opt for a glue stick for a mess-free experience or double-sided tape for a clean and seamless finish.
3. Round up all the art supplies you have, from markers and colored pencils, or pens. These magical tools will be your gateway to adding personalized messages, whimsical doodles, and vibrant colors to your DIY creations.
4. Stock up on a dazzling array of embellishments for an added dose of flair and personality. Let your creativity soar as you explore the boundless possibilities of stickers, sequins, ribbons, twines, buttons, beads, and more. Watch your creations come alive with vibrant colors, textures, and eye-catching details. With these delightful elements at your fingertips, there's no limit to the magic your birthday cards can be infused with.

Step 2: Choose Your Card Design

The card design will function as the first impression that sets the tone for the entire experience. A well-designed card can evoke emotions ranging from joy and excitement to nostalgia and warmth, leaving friends and family in awe of the thoughtful gesture.

Handmade Watercolor Design:

Express your artistic side by creating a handmade watercolor masterpiece for a genuinely one-of-a-kind birthday card. Start with a blank cardstock or watercolor paper as the base, and let your creativity flow. Use watercolors to paint a vibrant and personalized design, such as flowers, balloons, or a recipient's favorite hobby or color palette. Add a heartfelt birthday message inside to complete the card.

Pop-Up Surprise:

Add an element of surprise and delight to your card with a pop-up feature. Cut out a simple pop-up mechanism using cardstock or colored paper and attach it to the inside of the card. Then, unleash your creativity by designing and cutting out fun shapes, such as cakes, candles, or balloons, and attach them to the pop-up mechanism. When the card is opened, the surprise element will make the birthday celebration of your loved one even more memorable.

Quilled Creations:

Quilling is a paper art technique that involves rolling and shaping thin paper strips to create intricate designs. Use quilling techniques to create beautiful and delicate patterns, flowers, or even personalized messages on your birthday cards. Experiment with different colors and shapes to bring your design to life and make it truly unique. The recipient will appreciate the time and effort put into crafting such an elegant and artistic card.

Hand-Stitched Greeting:

Consider incorporating those skills into your DIY card if you enjoy sewing or embroidery. Use a needle and thread to create hand-stitched designs or patterns on fabric or cardstock. You can stitch the recipient's name, a birthday message, or even cute motifs like balloons or cupcakes. The texture and charm of a hand-stitched card will make it a cherished keepsake.

Interactive Slider Card:

Create an interactive slider card to take your birthday card to the next level. Use cardstock to make a slider mechanism that reveals a hidden message or image as it is pulled. Write a heartfelt message or attach a memorable photo that slides out when the recipient pulls the tab. This interactive element adds a playful touch to your card and makes it truly engaging.

Step 3: Write A Clever Message

1. "Happy birthday, queen of the hashtags! May your day be as fabulous as your Instagram feed."
2. "You're the avocado to my toast, the squad to my goals. Happy birthday, superstar!"
3. "It's your birthday, so let's turn up the 'Lit' level and celebrate like it's 1999... or 2023!"
4. "Birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat more cake. Enjoy your special day!"
5. "May your birthday be filled with good vibes and a bottomless brunch. Cheers to another fabulous year!"
6. "Sending you birthday wishes with all the heart emojis. You deserve all the love and happiness today and always."
7. "Happy birthday to my favorite extremely online friend. May your Wi-Fi always be strong and your battery never die."
8. "Time to celebrate another trip around the sun. Let's make this year even more epic than the last!"
9. "You're not getting older, you're leveling up! Happy birthday, gamer!"
10. "Happy birthday, trendsetter! May your day be filled with selfie-worthy moments and viral-worthy adventures."

Step 4: Add The Perfect Finishing Touch

As a bonus, consider creating a DIY envelope to complete the package. Choose decorative paper or repurpose materials like magazine pages or fabric scraps to craft a unique envelope that adds creativity and thoughtfulness to your handmade card. Personalize it by adding hand-drawn designs, stamps, or calligraphy for an extra special touch.

So, there you have it! DIY birthday cards offer endless possibilities for fun, creativity, and the chance to unleash your imagination. With just a few simple steps, you can create customized and sincere cards that will bring joy to your loved ones on their special day. Remember, the beauty of DIY is that there are no limits or rules. Let your creativity run wild, experiment with different techniques, colors, and textures, and, most importantly, have fun. Happy crafting!

BEFORE

Before the remodel, the home left A LOT to be desired -- think boob lighting and icky yellow walls. The double doors shown here are mid-century cool but the entry design is pretty sad and dated. Tina and Shawn truly modernized it and created a sanctuary for the couple and their baby.

AFTER

Their inspiration? "Tulum! Our clients were so excited about this specific area and were inspired by Mexico. They love postmodernism design and they are a bit of a maximalist at heart," says Tina. "We wanted to keep the design pretty neutral so we could balance the design and art."

Here's the entry now -- amazing, right?! The whole house feels serene and tailored while embracing the beautiful LA weather and views. Shawn and Tina used earthy, natural materials to keep it timeless and took advantage of the terraced hillside for planting and lounging with drought-tolerant plants.

Here are 12 ideas I took away from their gorgeous design that I'll be bringing into my own home, or future home!

Home Decor Ideas À La Dacotah Studio

'70s Modern

"We wanted to preserve the older architectural details, which had tons of character and charm and looked beautiful with the newer materials we selected," says Shawn. I'm loving these classic modern sofas in a pop of orange. The OGs were designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in the 1970s and go for more than $5K but you can find more affordable options inspired by the original. The color scheme here is on point without feeling overly trendy.

"If you are going to play with trends, do it in a way that can be swapped out every so often (e.g., rugs, artwork, accent chairs), rather than going too trendy on the hard materials like countertops, tiles, etc," says Tina. The coffee table they found vintage in Palm Springs and the artwork is designed by pop artist Steve Harrington.

Sculptural Lamps

Lamps can make such an impact in a room. This black table lamp from Jonathan Entler stands out like an art piece, as does this Hem Puffy chair. This Wayfair sculptural table lamp and Article lounge chair have a similar effect at a lower price point. We can't all afford high-end pieces but a few key pieces here and there that we love is also a good investment.

Transitional Flooring

"We used earthy. natural materials, mimicking the Yucatan/Tulum region of Mexico," says Tina. The porcelain kitchen flooring transitions to maple wood flooring throughout the home. I love the lighter natural woods mixed with the stucco and stone, creating unique moments that separate the spaces.

Wishbone Chairs

The first time I saw Hans Wegner's Wishbone Chair (1949) I was smitten. I have two chairs inspired by the original that I splurged on more than a decade ago at HD Buttercup. They are the pieces I still hold on to and always get compliments on — a true test of a classic design that never goes out of style.

Maple Cabinets

There's so much to love here: the durable Taj Mahal Quartzite slab tile, the vertical window that frames the hedges, the clean-lined shelf, and the continuation of maple on the cabinets. "The kitchen cabinets were maple wood and the stain was natural, which was more cost-effective while maintaining that beautiful, natural look," says Tina.

Outdoor Living

I will never not buy or rent a home that doesn't have tons of natural light. I love how the kitchen feels seamless with the outdoors, bringing in tons of light but also making it easier to entertain outdoors. The pendants echo the table lamp in the living room while the rope-backed bar stools are total Tulum vibes.

William Sonoma Cambria stool has a similar aesthetic. This trio pendant by Plato is also a showstopper.

Warm Bedding

I'm slowing phasing out of my blue phase. These mix-and-match organic sheets from Morrow Goods are a warmer upgrade.

Built-In Shelves

Built-in shelves are looking more sleek these days. This curved maple built-in continues the design story in such a stunning way.

Bath Planters

Bring the outdoors in...to your bath. Love this built-in planter for bringing clean-air plants into your self-care haven. The zig-zag tile is also a dreamy effect.

Terrazzo

I'm been obsessed with terrazzo for quite some time and adore how they use it here on the flooring. The speckled colors are just *speechless* and add an unexpected design element to the whole serene aesthetic. Never boring!

Brass

This whole look just slays but I especially love the brass bath towel bar inside the shower, creating more of a spa-like feeling inside. Also a ceramic vase with flowers are especially lovely for you or your guests.

Asymmetry

I love the organic effect of this brass mirror and clay pendants — as Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi said, "There are no sharp corners in nature." West Elm has a similar mirror design you can shop, too.

Lea Michele as Rachel Barry

Without a doubt, the most notable thing Lea Michele has done since the end of Glee is FINALLY starring as Fanny Brice in Broadway's Funny Girl. It was a super meta moment that brought reality and Glee lore together, and the entire internet lost their minds. You can also watch her in Scream Queens and New Year's Eve. Lea is currently expecting her second child with husband Zandy Reich, and has been very vocal about her struggle with PCOS.

Corey Monteith as Finn Hudson

Before he was on Glee, Corey Monteith had roles on Smallville and Supernatural. He's also reportedly the inspiration behind Taylor Swift's "Mine" from Speak Now. You can also see him in Monte Carlo and Final Destination 3. Corey passed away on July 13, 2013.

Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel

Chris Colfer is one of my personal favorite members of the cast of Glee, especially since Kurt is such a sweetheart. You can see him in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie and RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, and you can read his The Land of Stories book series! The actor and author has been in a relationship with Will Sherrod since 2013.

Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester

Jane Lynch is one of the most iconic members of the cast of Glee thanks to her portrayal of Sue,and since the show wrapped, she's been involved with a number of other hit projects. You can see her in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Wreck-It Ralph, Selena Gomez's Another Cinderella Story, and Only Murders in the Building. The actress lives with her wife Jennifer Cheyn, who she married in 2021.

Jenna Ushkowitz as  Tina Cohen-Chang

Jenna Ushkowitz joined the cast of Glee after her run in Spring Awakening on Broadway. She's done a few other Broadway shows like Waitress, and won Tonys for as a producer on Once on This Island and The Inheritance! You can also see Jenna in Lady Gaga's "Marry the Night" music video, as well as Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj's "Swish Swish," and listen to her And That’s What You Really Missed podcast, which she co-hosts with Glee star Kevin McHale. Jenna married David Stanley on July 24, 2021 (Kevin was her "man of honor" — cute!!) and in June 2022, gave birth to their daughter.

Kevin McHale as Artie Abrams

In addition to starring in Glee (and listening to his And That's What You Missed podcast, of course), you can see Kevin McHale in Bratz, Zoey 101, and American Horror Stories. He's been in a relationship with actor Austin P. McKenzie since 2016.

Ali Stroker as Betty Pillsbury

Ali Stroker was a finalist for The Glee Project (a reality show that gave contestants the opportunity to appear in the show) before guest starring in season 4. Since the 2013 episode, Ali has starred in Lifetime's Christmas Ever After and also had a small role on Only Murders in the Building. The actress also became the first person with a disability to both receive a Tony nomination and award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for portraying Ado Annie in Oklahoma!

Dianna Agron as Quinn Fabray

After playing Debbie Marshall on Milo Ventimiglia's Heroes, Dianna nabbed the role of complicated cheerleader Quinn on Glee. She's also had roles in Burlesque, I Am Number Four, Ralph Breaks the Internet, and The Chosen One. In 2022, Dianna finished her third residency Café Carlyle which is sooo giving Quinn Fabray.

Alex Newell as Wade "Unique" Adams

Alex Newell stole hearts as Unique on Glee, and since the finale, they've also starred in Empire and Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, as well as Broadway's revival of Once on This Island and Shucked (for which they became the first openly nonbinary performer to win a Tony).

Melissa Benoist as Marley Rose

Melissa Benoist just starred in Max's Girls on the Bus (watch our interview with her here!), but she might be best known for the title role in The CW's Supergirl. You can also see her in Patriot's Day, The Longest Ride, and Whiplash. Like other members of the cast of Glee, Melissa starred on Broadway and made her debut as Carole King in Beautiful. After splitting from Glee co-star Blake Jenner in 2017, Melissa got remarried to Chris Wood in 2019 and gave birth to their son in 2020.

Chord Overstreet as Sam Evans

My personal favorite project from this Glee cast member is Falling for Christmas, which also stars Lindsay Lohan! You can also see him in iCarly, The Bold Type, and The Middle. The actor and singer dated Emma Watson in 2018, and in 2020, Chord released his song "Hold On," which has over 826 million streams on Spotify.

Jayma Mays as Emma Pillsbury

In addition to being a part of the cast of Glee, Jayma Mays has starred in Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Heroes, and Red Eye. She married Adam Campbell in 2007 and gave birth to their son in 2016. Most recently, Jayma starred opposite Amy Adams and Maya Rudolph in Disenchanted!

Amber Riley as Mercedes Jones

Amber Riley's Mercedes is one of the best parts of Glee (and her rendition of "Bust Your Windows" is among the best performances on the show!!). Since the end of the series, Amber has starred in The Wiz Live!, The Little Mermaid Live!, and Monster High. She won Dancing with the Stars season 17 in 2013, and released her RILEY EP in 2020.

Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson

Darren Criss won an Emmy in 2018 for his role in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, which is only slightly more impressive than his involvement in the viral, deep-cut production of A Very Potter Musical (kidding!). You can also see him in Melissa Benoist's Supergirl and Muppets Haunted Mansion. Darren married his longtime girlfriend Mia Swier in 2019, and the couple welcomed their first child in 2022.

Blake Jenner as Ryder Lynn

Blake Jenner starred in The Edge of Seventeen with Hailee Steinfeld and Haley Lu Richardson, as well as Supergirl and What/If. Blake married Melissa Benoist while they were both in the cast of Glee, but the couple divorced in 2017. In 2019, Melissa revealed in an Instagram video that she's a survivor of domestic violence + injuries she received from a past partner. Blake responded in 2020, revealing he had been the partner Melissa referenced.

Dot-Marie Jones as Coach Beiste

Not only does Dot-Marie Jones play a coach in the cast of Glee, but she's also a 15-time world arm wrestling champion IRL. You can see her in Lizzie McGuire,Material Girls, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, and Killing It. Dot-Marie has been married to Bridgett Casteen since 2013.

Naya Rivera as Santana Lopez

Naya Rivera's Santana was one of the best characters on TV, and she had incredible vocal chops to boot. You can see the actress in Step Up: High Water, CSI: Miami, and Even Stevens. Naya passed away in 2020 while boating with her son Josey in 2020.

Heather Morris as Brittany Pierce

After you've binge watched Glee (again), you can see Heather Morris in Santa Fake, Cora Bora, Raven's Home, and So Help Me Todd. She competed in season 24 of Dancing With the Stars (she was also a backup dancer for Beyoncé, slay!), and shares two children with husband Taylor Hubbell.

Matthew Morrison as Will Schuester

Matthew Morrison has been in a number of musical productions outside of Glee, including the OG Broadway casts of Hairspray,The Light in the Piazza, and Finding Neverland. Most recently, he starred in Christmas movie Paris Christmas Waltz. Matthew shares two children with his wife Renee Puente.

Harry Shum Jr. as Mike Chang 

Harry Shum Jr. starred opposite Nina Dobrev in Love, Hard on Netflix, and you can also see him in Step Up 2: The Streets and Step Up 3D, as well as Everything Everywhere All At Once. He plays a small role during the credits of Crazy Rich Asians, and will reportedly star in a spinoff about his character and Gemma Chan's Astrid. He shares a child with wife Shelby Rabara.

Mark Wayne Salling as Noah "Puck" Puckerman 

Before joining the cast of Glee, Mark Salling starred in Walker, Texas Ranger, Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering, and The Graveyard. He also released his Pipe Dreams album after founding Pipe Dreams Records. Mark passed away in 2018.