Goodwill Home Décor Expert - Merri Cvetan

My friend Pam Boelk is a big Goodwill shopper and DIY crafter. This month she’s cashing in on the Mason jar craze with some creative drinking glasses and candle ideas.

Oversized cocktail rings are big fashion accessories. The bigger and bling-ier the better. (Is bling-ier a word? It should be!). Like all your jewelry, keeping it organized and at hand makes getting ready in the morning a breeze.

There’s more than one way to dress up your dinner table. Color coordinate your forks and knives with the table setting. 

Since April is Earth Month, I wanted to come up with a simple “upcycle” idea using an item readily available at Goodwill. I tend to create more girly things than masculine ones, so I decided to make something for men.

Easter Sunday, another occasion to gather your family around the table. I know the day gets hectic, so I always set the table the day before any party. It’s one last thing to worry about when guests descend on your house.

I have two egg coloring ideas for Easter this year. One for the kids and another for an elegant table. 

This year forget the typical Easter basket. Get creative and display eggs in something different. Goodwill is a great place to start!

Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! Even if you aren’t, celebrate anyway with hand-made cards. I hung mine up on a ribbon, but you could sign the back and send them as Lucky Irish wishes to all your friends.

I love it when a project crosses over from craft to art. Especially when it involves repurposing a found object, like these bowls for example.

Bridal couples spend an average of $25,000 on their wedding! Of course there are many ways to save money, especially if you’re a DIY’er and shop at Goodwill. One of the concerns I hear from brides is not being able to find dozens, or hundreds of the same item. My answer? Everything does not have to match. In fact, designs are much more interesting if they don’t. Think coordination and don’t worry about matching; you’ll save so much money.

There are so many holidays this week that you can have a party practically every day! Chinese New Year began on February 10 and is celebrated for 15 days. 2013 is the year of the snake.

There is no end to the gifts you can make for the girls in your life from sweaters.