10 DIY Easter Crafts You Have to Try

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- If you're a lover of arts and crafts, Spring is such a great time to have a go at some serious DIY - all those cheery colors and themes are so inspiring! Check out our list of DIY Easter crafts you have to try! We hope you have a happy holiday! 

WATERCOLOR COOKIES

A mix of crafts and baking? Uh, yes, please! 

Get the Tutorial Here: http://bit.ly/2DboqRE

BUNNY TREAT MASON JARS

Spruce up regular mason jars with some pretty paint and bunny cutouts. 

Get the Tutorial Here: http://bit.ly/2Z7J9ip

EASTER EGG BALLOONS

Trying to get your Easter decorations all set? Give these cute balloons a try! 

Get the Tutorial Here: http://bit.ly/2XaqHEj

MONOGRAM EGGS 

Switch out your usual place cards with these adorable monogram eggs! They're so easy! Just use a small paintbrush to fleck tan acrylic paint (thinned out with water) on undyed eggs. Once dry, handwrite each guest's initials with a gold paint pen. 

ALMOND JOY WREATH 

Turn egg-shaped Jordan almonds into a sweet spring decoration! 

All you have to do is take a 12-inch styrofoam wreath, and beginning with the outside circumference, hot-glue the almonds in place, overlapping a few of them to add dimension. Continue in a circular pattern until the entire front, inner, and outer edges of the wreath are covered. Hang with a sturdy piece of cotton ribbon, or oversize rickram trim. 

SPRING BUNNIES GUMBALL MACHINE

With an upside-down flower pot and an empty candy jar, you can create the look of a gumball machine with a sweet Easter scene inside. 

Get the Tutorial Here: http://bit.ly/2Uv6FHH

PEEPS HOUSE 

How adorable are these? You can either eat them or leave them up as decorations! 

Get the Tutorial Here: http://bit.ly/2IgXiog

EGG FLOWER VASE 

Forego your usual vase and house your spring flowers in eggs! Just use candle wax to attach them to a mirror, then place by a window or on your dining table! 

EASTER EGG GARLAND

Hang these pretty patterned eggs in your kitchen or dining room for a bit of a rustic DIY touch. 

EASTER EGG BUTTONS 

Add some Easter flair to your walls by turning old and colorful buttons into an Easter Egg. 

Get the Tutorial Here: http://bit.ly/2Ku4OOE

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Welcome Spring With These DIY Crafts!

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- We've almost made it out of the winter months! This year, the cold season was unreasonably bitter, and if you're anything like us, you can't wait for the weather to warm up a bit. While we still have a little ways to go, you can definitely get the spring vibes rolling with these cute DIY craft ideas! If you happen to try any of these out, comment and let us know how they turned out. We love hearing from you! 

COLANDER PLANTERS

Forget flower pots! Turn your favorite flowers into this cute DIY display. 

Get the tutorial now: http://bit.ly/2EbfsEF

MASON JAR SOAP DISPENSER 

Add a little springy touch to your kitchen or bathroom sink with this totally adorable soap dispenser! 

Get the tutorial now: http://bit.ly/2X1H5HQ

PATIO PAVERS

Jazz up your patio pavers with this easy and cheap idea! 

Get the tutorial now: http://bit.ly/2TN0Zo4

STENCILED ANIMAL MUGS

How cute are these? You'd never guess they were DIY right? 

Get the stencils now: https://amzn.to/2EdRTLM

CUTE BIRD FEEDER

Make these adorable bird feeders with cookie cutters, mason jar lids, or whatever molds you have around the house. 

Get the tutorial now: http://bit.ly/2SBwowZ

RAINBOW EDGE STATIONARY 

Update your home office with this cute, springy stationary. 

Get the tutorial now: http://bit.ly/2SPfpXz

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858. 

Surviving This Gig Called Winter

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Winter is in full swing, and so far this year's weather has been harsh, none to say the least. Severe winter weather poses numerous health and safety concerns, and in order to make it to the other side intact, making sure you're prepared for any and all situations is key. Here are a few of our favorite Michigan winter survival hacks to help you get through the snowy season as warmly and safely as possible. 

• Let Some Sunshine In: While we are inching closer to the spring equinox, with a little extra light each day, the gray, winter days of Michigan can be pretty depressing. Seasonal Affective Disorder is definitely a real thing, and the best way to beat it is to make sure you get as much sunshine into your day as possible. Open the shades, and let those rays hit your face! 

• Point Your Car East: Clearing snow off your car in the morning can be a major hassle, but parking your car in an Eastern direction creates less work for you. When the sun rises in the morning, the rays will warm your windshield and begin to melt the snow on top. Even if it doesn't completely disappear, the warmth will soften up the ice and flakes, making whatever is left, easier to remove. 

• Spray Your Shovel With Cooking Spray: Clearing off the sidewalk/driveway at your home or office is not a fun activity. Make it easier by spraying the scoop of your shovel with non-stick cooking spray before you start digging. This will prevent snow from sticking to the shovel and make the entire process less time-consuming. 

• Weatherproof Your Home: Ensure that your home is ready for the cold season by giving it a little weatherproofing makeover. Insulate all walls, doors, and windows, as well as any water lines that run along exterior walls. Have your entire HVAC system inspected by a professional to make sure that all your units are clean, performing efficiently, and don't need any serious repairs - having your furnace break down during a Michigan winter is no joke! Make sure your pantry is stocked with necessities in case you get snowed in, and that you have plenty of emergency items like battery-powered flashlights, extra blankets, and a first-aid kit on hand.

• Forget Fashion: We all love to look our best, but during the winter months, leave those cute high heels and army jackets in the closet where they belong. Layer, layer, layer. Leave your cotton pieces for the winter months and dress in wool or synthetic materials that wick moisture away from the skin. Invest in a quality pair of long underwear and pair them with outer layers of fleece and wool for maximum warmth. Waterproof shoes are a great investment as well. 

• Warm Up With Hot Water Bottles: We've all suffered from cold toes at one point or another in the winter. Warm up with a hot water bottle! While you can purchase specially-made bottles for this purpose, using what you have on hand works too! Nalgene products work particularly well as they won't break open or leak. Just pour in some hot water, seat it tight, and give your toes something warm to cuddle during the long, cold nights ahead. 

• Lather Up to Prevent Frostbite: No matter how well you bundle up, there's still going to be parts of your face exposed to the unforgiving wind. When exposed to temperatures below zero, even 20 minutes out in the cold can result in a case of good ole' frostbite. Protect your skin from the cold by lathering your exposed areas in vaseline or baby oil. It sounds gross, but it works!

• Dry Out Wet Shoes Fast: No matter how hard you try to keep your feet dry, eventually, some moisture will find a way in. Prevent yourself from having to deal with wet shoes the next time you head outdoors by stuffing them with newspapers. They'll absorb all the wayward water and your shoes will be nice and dry the next time you head out into the elements. 

• Exercise: Nothing gets your body temperature up like a little bit of exercise! Don't feel like heading out to the gym? Get active in your living room instead? There's a host of awesome and free workout videos on Youtube to get your blood moving. 

We hope you found these winter survival hacks helpful. Do you have any favorite winter tips and tricks that we missed? Comment and let us know! Stay safe and be warm out there! 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858. 

Winter Car Hacks That Will Save Your Life

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Michigan winters are, well, they're something else. Let's put it that way. Snow one day and rain the next, unpredictable temperatures...we'll venture to say that everyone who survives one of our bipolar cold seasons deserves a medal. All that back and forth can create dangerous driving conditions, and can even negatively affect your vehicle. We understand the specific issues and annoyances you have to deal with as a Michigan driver in the winter. Because we have to deal with them too. In order to help us all out, we did a little research and compiled a few tips and tricks that will save your life over the next few months. Have some winter car hacks of your own? Share them with us! Leave a comment here, or drop a line on our Facebook or Twitter, we love hearing from you!

• Clean Your Windshield With Shaving Cream - Did you know that shaving cream contains some of the same active ingredients as defogger? Coat the insides of your car windows with the cream, and then wipe them clean. Bye-bye fog!

• Wrap Your Side Mirrors in Plastic Bags - If you don't own a garage, it can be difficult to keep your windows snow and ice-free. To prevent your side mirrors from getting frosty, wrap them in plastic bags. When you're ready to drive slide them off and admire your perfectly clear windows. 

•  Use Hand Sanitizer on Your Keys - When temperatures get really low, car locks can freeze, causing your keys to get stuck. Avoid this annoying situation by coating your keys in a little hand sanitizer. The alcohol will melt the ice, and you won't have to figure out how to get your keys out of the door. WD-40 works as well.

• Throw a Rug Over Your Windshield - After you've parked your car, place an old rug, carpet, or tarp over your windshield to prevent snow and ice from sticking to it. No more scraping your car for 15 minutes while you're not wearing gloves!

• Put Old Socks Over Your Windshield Wipers -Many of you already prop up your windshield wipers before a winter storm to keep them from sticking to the glass. Go one step further by placing old socks over each blade to prevent ice buildup. 

• Use Cooking Spray on Your Car Doors - Want to avoid that cold tug-of-war between you and the car door that's iced shut? The night before a snowfall, coat the outside rubber edges of the doors, then wipe them clean. The spray will act as a lubricant and will prevent ice from forming.

• DIY Ice Scraper - While we all should keep a high-quality ice scraper in our vehicle, an old credit card will work in a pinch. A plastic spatula can get the job done as well...just make sure you don't use a metal one! 

• Fast Headlight Fix - During the dark and snowy winter months, having bright, working headlights is essential to your safety, as well as your fellow drivers. If your covers could use a cleaning cover them in a layer of toothpaste and let sit for a minute or two. Wash off and Voila! 

• Get Un-Stuck Fast - Getting stuck somewhere, while agitating, is often unavoidable, but before you call the tow-truck, try these simple hacks. Pour a layer of kitty litter under your tires, it will give your tires something to grip on to and improve your chances of getting out of that snowbank. Or, pull out your car mats and place them down in the snow, in front of your tires. They'll provide more traction and help your car get moving. 

We hope you found these tips helpful. Have any great winter car hacks of your own? Tell us! Maybe we'll feature them in a part 2! 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858. 

Last Minute DIY Thanksgiving Decorations

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Thanksgiving is only a couple of days away! Do you have your decorations set? If not here's a list of easy, last-minute DIY decor ideas that range from elegant to rustic. Fill your home with a late-fall vibe that's sure to impress every person on your guest list. 

1. CHALKBOARD PUMPKINS 

Repurpose your leftover Halloween gourds by coating them with chalkboard paint and using them to highlight your Thanksgiving menu. 

2. SPICE TIN FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

Hit up your local thrift or vintage shop and grab some old spice tins that feature rich Autumn hues. Decorate the dinner table, dessert display, or living room with these bold, warm arrangements that lend a comforting, rustic feel. 

3. GILDED FRUIT CENTERPIECE

Elegant and modern, this centerpiece takes your table display up another level. Cover artificial pomegranates (found at your local craft store) with adhesive size and let dry until tacky. Apply sheets of copper leaf until covered and repeat. Display on a tray, cake plate, or in a decorative bowl. 

3. AUTUMN-INSPIRED CANDLEHOLDERS

Create easy fall displays with repurposed candleholders! Hit up your local vintage or thrift store for candleholders of miscellaneous shapes and sizes, spray paint black, and arrange small pumpkins or gourds on top. 

4. FILLED GLASS CONTAINERS 

Fill footed glass containers with fall-toned ribbons, nuts and beans. Embellish with bows, and arrange on a copper tray for a shiny and sophisticated finish. 

5. COZY VOTIVE HOLDERS

Wrap glass votive holders in three or four overlapping layers of corn husks and tie in place with a raffia ribbon. Slip in a guinea feather for added decorative flair.

6. PRINTABLE GIVE THANKS SIGN

Print this cute sign and throw it into a reclaimed wood frame for the easiest and cutest Thanksgiving decoration ever! 

Download here: https://bit.ly/2Fz0203

6. DIY PUMPKIN VASE 

Trade in the traditional glass vase for a faux pumpkin. 

Get the full tutorial here: https://bit.ly/2oEh41e 

7. THE THANKFUL TREE

Invite family and friends to write messages of thanks on paper leaf ornaments and tie them to branches anchored in a a sand-filled vase. Save the ornaments for a keepsake, or to discuss at next year's holiday meal.

8. THE ULTIMATE AUTUMN CENTERPIECE

Layer cornhusks on a glass cake plate and then arrange various gourds, pumpkins, leaves and decorative corn on top for the easiest centerpiece imaginable. 

9. THE PERFECT THANKSGIVING MANTEL 

Give your mantel an Autumn makeover that is way easier to pull together than it looks. Get all the tips from Midwest Living

Full tutorial here: https://bit.ly/2KaAy7T

What was your favorite DIY Thanksgiving decoration idea? If you give any of these a go, make sure you take pictures and tag us in them on social media. We love seeing your holiday decor. Happy Thanksgiving! 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858. 

10 DIY Garage Organization Hacks

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.,–– Ready to start your spring cleaning? Now that the weather is starting to warm up, it's the perfect time to clean out important areas of your home that tend to get cluttered during the cold winter months. A good place to start is your garage. Keeping tools and supplies straightened up will not only allow you to move freely in your space, but make it easier to find items you're looking for as well. Find some storage inspiration with these 10 DIY garage organization hacks:


1. Magnetic Tool Holder
You don't need to make the magnetic strip yourself, but you will have to find a perfect spot to hang it up. It's ideal for all those small drill bits that get lost in the clutter.

2. Repurposed Paper Towel Holder
This is such a clever and handy way to hang those heavy duty garbage bags you use all the time. Make sure the rod to the paper towel holder is small enough to fit through the opening in the center of the bags!

3. Easy Chair Storage
Use leftover wood scraps to create small brackets that you can easily screw to the wall. They are perfect for hanging up lawn chairs!

4. Screw Organizing
Have extra jars laying around? Put them to good use! If not, you can purchase a cheap set from your local convenience store. Simply Screw the lid of each jar to the bottom of a shelf in your garage. Fill the jars with all your small pieces (nails, screws, bolts, etc.).

5. Bungee Cord Ball Storage
Have a lot of sports balls running loose in your garage? This is a simple fix. Bungee cords are an easy and effective way for ball storage. Find the full instructions here.

6. Jumbo Tape Dispenser

Although tape may not be as important, sometimes it's one of the hardest things to find. With some basic woodwork, you'll have a jumbo tape dispenser in no time!

7. Sliding Storage System

Do your tubs take up a lot of space? Another easy fix. Creating overhead storage clears up extra space and will keep your garage nice and organized. Check out the instructions here.

8. Wooden Shovel Rack

For those heavy yard tools, create a wooden rack that has several slots for all your shovels and rakes! This space-saving design will keep your yard tools organized all year round. 

9. Repurposed Hanging Shoe Rack

Hanging shoe racks can serve many different purposes. The little compartments are perfect for garage storage, especially spray paint cans!

10. Screwdriver Rack

Knowing exactly where your tools are is a glorifying feeling. Try this cheap project to keep your screwdrivers all in one place. You don't need a lot of materials to put this rack together. In fact, you can even use some scrap wood!

Staying organized and keeping your garage space clean is not only gratifying, but makes life just a little bit easier. Dive deep into spring cleaning this season with these 10 DIY garage organization hacks that'll keep your space nice and tidy. While you get your home ready for spring, it's also a good idea to get your ride up to speed as well. Check out our routine maintenance tips that'll help you make sure your car is safe on the road this season. Don't forget to schedule an appointment for any service your vehicle needs! We're here to provide you with the tips and tools you need to ensure your car will run at its best!

Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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8 Homemade Christmas Decorations

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.,–– Looking to add a little DIY holiday cheer to your home this year? We've got eight homemade Christmas decorations ideas for you to try! Craft your own ornaments, wreaths, garland, and other decorations to make your home extra bright and festive this holiday season.

Mason Jar Christmas Tree

Fill some mason jars with ornaments, jingle bells, and other holiday items and then stack them to create a country-chic miniature Christmas tree. 

Sprinkle Ornaments

Cute and colorful, these DIY Christmas ornaments will be fun to make and give your tree an extra splash of color and personality this season. 

Popsicle Stick Christmas Trees

Another DIY ornament, but one that is a perfect craft to make with your kids! They're simple and easy to make, and your little ones will be proud to show off their handiwork hanging on the family tree!

Rustic Jingle Bell Pinecone Ornament

This chic ornament can give your Christmas tree a little more style this December. Find the perfect pinecones out in your yard or a local park to create this rustic look.

Jar of Bulbs

Make use of all the faulty light bulbs you've had to replace over the years and start using them to fill a beautiful decorative jar or vase. Add a little fake snow for a festive touch!

Gift Bow Wreath

Greet your guests with a present right at the front door! Or, at least a gift bow wreath to celebrate the season of giving.

Mason Jar Ornaments

This beautiful snowglobe-like ornament will impress all of your family and guests when they gaze upon your Christmas tree. Create these ornaments using a few simple crafting materials, including miniature mason jars.

Santa & Reindeer Garland

Hang some cute and festive garland around your home or fireplace this season! You can make Santa's sleigh and all of the reindeer including Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, and the rest of the gang fly above the ground on their way to deliver toys and gifts.

Get started on crafting any these eight homemade Christmas decorations that will last for years to come. Before you begin any of your holiday traveling, make sure to complete our Winter Car Care maintenance routine to protect your vehicle and its internal components from the freezing temperatures and to make sure it performs well in poor winter road conditions. Or, if you're in the market for a new vehicle, like the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, browse our entire inventory online to determine which cars, trucks, or SUVs you'd like to check out or test drive in-person at our dealership

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube