H. Camille Smith

Give plain glass votives a trendy mercury glass makeover with mirror-effect spray paint. The antique-looking votives lend a sparkling glow to a table setting, mantel, coffee table — or anywhere.

Cover an inexpensive cardboard mailing tube in trendy, graphic fabric for an eye-catching holiday gift wrap idea. Best of all, the fabric-covered container can be used for year-round storage.

Make brand new books look like old leather-bound tomes by covering them in a removable leather jacket that you've distressed and antiqued. They'll add a timeworn touch to your bookcase and make great handmade gifts for literary friends.

Instead of a traditional evergreen Christmas wreath, dress up your front door with a holiday swag made from fresh greenery, fabric branches and glittering pinecones.

Give an old bench a new lease on life by stripping then refinishing the legs and freshening up the upholstery with new foam and fabric.

Vintage cutlery boxes are a frequent fixture at estate and yard sales — usually in pretty worn condition. With just a little elbow grease, you can refinish and re-line them for a massive upcycled jewelry box.

Dyeing Easter eggs is a favorite holiday tradition for kids and grownups alike. Give your plain dyed eggs a kicky, multicolored twist this year: Add olive oil to the dye solution to create a swirling, mottled effect.

Behind every great designer is a lady of high style and discerning tastes — their mom. Our favorite designers share how their mothers influenced their style.

Get the kids crafting to turn inexpensive paper doilies into cute treat cups perfect for filling with candy, cookies, small toys or a cupcake. They're a sweet surprise for Valentine's Day or Easter and make a great party favor.

Try a new twist on a traditional Easter basket this year. A metal pail, spray paint and round stickers are all you need to create this cute pink polka dot Easter bucket for your little princess.

Why go to antique stores looking for the perfect vintage mirror when you can make your own?

With just a little creativity, you can turn a scrap piece of leather into a fashion-forward pin or hair clip that makes a sweet handmade gift you can give any time of year.