What are you planning on making this weekend? Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram + using the hashtag #iamcreative! And follow us on Pinterest for even more summer DIY ideas.
You might not be making toys in your workshop, but with all your holiday crafts, the elves aren't the only busy bodies this time of year! Invite your pod over for a weekend of DIYs to get your #HandmandeChristmas off to a good start. With pillows, wreaths, and ornaments, there's a little something for everyone here.
DIY Paper Poinsettias
Finally! Christmas florals that aren't harmful to your kitties. We think these crepe blooms are even prettier than the real thing. (via The House That Lars Built)
DIY Cornstarch Holiday Ornaments
Kick it old school with a craft you probably haven't done since grade school. The only difference is that now your ornaments will be the freshest around. (via Club Crafted)
DIY Pom-Pom Oven Mitts
A set of these mitts along with a spatula, a tasty cookie mix, and some measuring spoons would make for the perfect last-minute gift. (via A Kailo Chic Life)
DIY Painted Jingle Bell Wreath
With this wreath on your front door, all your holiday guests will be announced with a festive jingle. (via Handmade Charlotte)
DIY Rainbow Christmas Stockings
Keep it Kawaii this month with festive rainbow decor. Santa will be delighted to fill each stocking with the very best stuffers. (via A Bubbly Life)
DIY His & Hers Ornament Wreaths
What better way to display all your personal faves than on a wreath? When you're cramped for space or just don't have time for a tree, a wreath is the perfect alternative. (via PMQ for Two)
DIY Reindeer Drink Stirrers
Looks like Rudolph had one too many cocktails, which is why he's got that adorable red nose. (via Lovely Indeed)
DIY Holiday Wreath Glasses
Photo booth props are the best part of any party, so you better make 'em good! Your BFFs will be fighting to wear these adorable wreath glasses in the group shot. (via Bright & Bubbly)
DIY Ice Skate Pillow
Traditional yet chic, this pillow project is perfect for your glam Christmas decor. (via A Beautiful Mess)
DIY Christmas Tree Cactus
Spread some cheer by adding trim and ribbons to your plants and cacti. You'll get the Christmas vibe without all the hassle of hauling a tree around. (via Sugar & Cloth)
DIY Holiday Wax Sachets
For a handmade gift exchange, these naturally scented sachets are like a candle, but without the flame. (via Hello Glow)
Show us your holiday crafts by tagging us on Instagram and follow us on Pinterest for more inspo!
This post has been updated.
Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.
We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.
We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?
I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?
Amazon
I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.
Did she announce the name of book no. 3?
YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.
Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.
Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.
And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.
There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.
When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?
Rebecca Yarros/Instagram
On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.
She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.
When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?
Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.
She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.
As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.
However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.
Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.
I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!
Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?
Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing
Onyx Storm
Yes!
TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.
Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"
Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
While summer is officially over, beautiful fall foliage is finally cropping up with our favorite palette of reds and oranges, so why not bring the look inside with some gallery wall art? These leaf-filled, rich-hued DIY's will look fab and save you a ton of money for new investment pieces (like that crazy new statement mirror decor trend you've been eyeing).
DIY Autumn Leaf Garland
Hang a cheery garland or two for all the fall get-togethers on your calendar. (via Make + Tell)
Printable "Sweater Weather" Print
New sweaters and new art go hand in hand, right? Luckily this print is free, so you'll just need a frame to make it really stand out. (via Lovely Indeed)
DIY Anthropologie Wall Art
You'll save some cash and have have a lot of fun making this DIY. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Fringe Wall Hanging
Enjoy those beiges and browns in all of their glory before the holiday decor vibes really kick in. (via Studio DIY)
DIY Layered Fan Art Piece
Pieces that jump off the wall at you will always leave more of an impression. And while it's not time to spook your guests with Halloween decor yet, you can hit them with some bold color. (via The House That Lars Built)
DIY Paper Shapes Art
And all at once, summer collapsed into fall... along with its more muted color palette. These amber hues remind us of a pile of leaves. (via Sugar & Cloth)
DIY Mini Purple Fall Wreaths
What's better than a big fancy wreath? Three small ones that you can mix and match and arrange to suit your constantly changing decor needs. (via PMQ for Two)
DIY Wooden Block Mosaic Art
All your project offcuts can find a purpose in this assembled piece. (via A Beautiful Mess)
DIY Modern Fall Wreath
The simple beauty of a hoop wreath with a scroll of text will capture even the strongest of summer-loving hearts. (via Craftberry Bush)
DIY Abstract Geometric Painting
Wild brush strokes that look the way the crisp wind feels? You can't get more autumnal than that. (via Dans Le Lakehouse)
DIY Wall Art Weaving Hack
The larger weavings can be hard to put together, but with this hack you can speed through a big one in no time. (via Paper & Stitch)
Show us your fall gallery walls by tagging us on Instagram + check out our B+C online Illustration classes for more creative inspo!
This post has been updated.
Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.
Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.
Marvel Studios/YouTube
Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!
We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.
Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios
And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”
What is the plot of Thunderbolts?
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney
Thunderbolts* Plot
Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.
Thunderbolts* Release Date
Jesse Grant/Disney
Thunderbolts* Release Date
Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.
Who's on the Thunderbolts team?
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney
Thunderbolts* Cast
Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.
This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"
Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”
Jesse Grant/Disney
The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”
“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”
Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.
Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney
This post has been updated.