Ammon’s Art Supply Storage

September 7th, 2010

The last time I was at Ikea was over a year ago when I bought this bar and some buckets to go on it. I had the intention of using them in Emilee’s room, but I used these buckets instead. So Ammon now gets Emilee’s unused hand-me-downs. Of course, the first thing I had to do was spray paint it black.

And the plain buckets had to get a makeover too.

I used my Cricut again to cut words out of vinyl.

I decided on dark brown instead of black vinyl this time.

And chose words Ammon could read (he’s in 1st grade).

Now to hang the bar. First I decided how high above the table it needed to be, then I leveled it and marked the screw holes with a pencil.

This is the cheater version I use, because I have a weird reaction to the sound of electric drills (I’m trying to get over it). Take a screw driver and a hammer and make a hole. Only do this if the screw driver is the same size as the drill bit you needed to use.

Insert the anchors in the holes.

And use an electric screwdriver to insert the screws. One side of the bar is in a stud so I only had to use the anchors on the other side. Now you have bright screws that stand out like a sore thumb on your black bar.

So I took craft paint and a small paintbrush and painted them black. Much better now.

And here’s the buckets on the bar, ready for crafting.

They lean forward, which is perfect for Ammon to be able to reach all the supplies.

No sooner did I get this little crafting area done that he already had about 4 masterpieces ready for display. Looks like I have another project for today with more supplies I bought from Ikea.

FYI: The wallpaper border will be coming down, but not until Zach’s room is finished.

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Ammon’s Corkboard

September 6th, 2010

I think working on 4 rooms at one time has been to my advantage. If something isn’t working in one room I can just paint it and move it to another. This corkboard was in Adam’s room, then the boys were sharing it for a while.

I covered the cork area with ad paper and tape.

Then sprayed it with black spray paint to match Ammon’s room. It looked good but I wanted to add something more to it.

So, I used the Cricut to cut out a car shape on a scratch piece of paper. Then I used the outline of the car as a stencil for the board.

I used easy-tack on the back of the stencil to secure it in place. Spray the back then let it sit for about a minute before sticking it to your project.

Then I applied acrylic paint to the board with a round sponge brush using a ponuding motion. I did it in a few light layers so it wouldn’t bleed under the stencil.

To hang it on the wall I used Command picture strips (surprise, surprise). Since it’s pretty large and I don’t know how Ammon’s going to treat it, I used 4 of the strips.

Ta-da! It’s hung on the wall over his table I still need to finish.

And here it is with the things he wanted to hang on it. A picture his sister drew for him of his favorite stuffed animal, pictures of his nephews, a souvenir his Chinese teacher brought back from China and a picture of the Temple. I can’t wait to see what else he wants to hang on it.

I hope you’re all having a happy Labor Day and enjoying the day off. We’re going to be picnicing, swimming, hitting a few buckets of balls, and working on a few projects.

I’m linking to:

Anything Related at All Thingz Related

Get Your Craft On Tuesday at Today’s Creative Blog

All Things Domestic at Crazy Domestic

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Little Display Plate

September 5th, 2010

I’ve been working on my pre-Fall mantel. This little 4 needed to be a elevated for the display.

So I looked through my decorating stash and came up with an idea. I spray painted both items brown.

Then glue them together with Gorilla glue.

And added some weight for a few hours.

I love them together and think it looks pretty Fallish.

It’s perfect for the 4 to sit on, but still looks like something is missing. Hmmm!

Just what it needed! I’ll be finishing the rest of the mantel tomorrow.

Hope you’re having a great weekend!

I’m linking to:

It’s So Very Creative at It’s So Very Cheri

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch

DIY Project Parade at The DIY Showoff

Making the World Cuter Monday at Making the World Cuter

Show Me How at It’s A Blog Party

Topsy Turvy Tuesday at I’m Topsy Turvy

Before and After Party at Thrifty Decor Chick

All Things Domestic at Crazy Domestic

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Lego Wall Art

August 27th, 2010

I’m trying to decorate 4 kids rooms spending little or no money while doing it. Hubby says I have a craft and thrift store in the basement. Well, I guess that’s a good thing now.

I had these 3 frames down stairs in my stash, but 2 were the wrong color. So, of course,I spray painted them all black.

Ammon loves Legos. He plays with them everyday and comes up with many different and pretty impressive creations. These Lego cards are from an old game that I thought would be perfect hanging on his wall.

I cut blue card stock to fit inside the frame.

And used double sided tape to secure the card to the card stock.

Then I placed them in the frames.

And lined them up on the wall.

Ammon’s room is road signs, subway art and maps in black, brown and blue.

I wanted to be able to incorporate the Legos too, so I chose the cards with vehicles on them. They’re a little brighter than the rest of the room, but I think they still fit in well and I love the pop of red.

Ammon loves them on the wall and he’s already made all of them.

Please ignore the really beat up wall. His walls need to be spackled and painted, but I’m painting Zach’s room right now, so Ammon’s will have to wait.

Have a Beautiful Weekend! (we start soccer games again tomorrow)

I’m linking to:

Weekend Wrap Up Party at Tatertots and Jello

Saturday Nite Special Funky Junk Interiors

Craft Schooling Sunday at Creative Jewish Mom

Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming

Make It 4 Monday at Cottage Instincts

DIY Project Parade at The DIY Show Off

Topsy Turvy Tuesday at I’m Topsy Turvy

Get Your Craft On at Today’s Creative Blog

Whatever Goes Wednesday Someday Crafts

Penny Pinching Party at The Thrifty Home

Strut Your Stuff at Somewhat Simple

Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage

Frugalicious Friday at FInding Fabulous

Filed under Bedroom, Crafts, Decorating | Comments (27)

Mouse Pad Makeover

August 26th, 2010

I like being surrounded by pretty things while I’m at my desk. This mouse pad is not one of those things. Hubby brought it home from work. And while it serves it’s purpose well, it’s not pretty to look at.

So I found some pretty fabric in my craft room to cover it. I cut the fabric about 1 1/2″ bigger than the pad all the way around.

Then I ironed heat-n-bond to the back of it, to make the fabric easier to work with and so the mod podge doesn’t soak through.

I rounded the sharp corners.

Then cut slits at the corners to make it easier to cover the pad.

I used mod podge to glue all 4 corners down. And let it dry for about 10 minutes.

Then I folded the corners in on each side and glued all 4 sides to the back using mod podge.

This is how the bottom or (back) looked. Not very finished, huh!

So I slathered the mod podge on the back and added a piece of felt I cut to fit. This project does use more mod podge than normal. It really soaks into the pad.

That looks so much better covered. Not that anyone is probably going to pick up my mouse pad and look at the bottom though.

During drying time which was about 10 minutes for each step. I placed the book Lan Tu gave us,to add some weight to the top and prevent bubbles or wrinkling. This book is beautiful!

Ta-Da! Now it’s functional, pretty and fits in with my bedroom decor (that’s where my desk is).

It even has green in it, which I apparently can’t decorate without. And this project cost me $0 since I had already had everything.

I will be trying to spend as little money as possible crafting, decorating and organizing my home. We have resently taken a substantial cut in income so I’ll have to see what I can do with what I have. I hope you’ll join me as I put on my thinking cap to be more creative and frugal while still making a beautiful home.

I’m linkng to:

Frugal Friday at The Shabby Nest

Look At Me Party at Fun To Craft

Frriday Fun Finds at Kojo Designs

Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming

It’s So Very Creative at It’s So Very Cheri

Just Something I Whipped Up at The Girl Creative

Motivate Me Monday at Keeping It Simple

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch

Show Me How Party at It’s a Blog Party

Tutorial Tuesday at Hope Studios

Before and After Party at Debbiedoos

Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage

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Chalkboard Rock Magnets

August 25th, 2010

I was looking at Pottery Barn on-line and saw these Chalkboard Rocks that I though would be fun. But not at their price of 4/$16. Oh, they do add a piece of chalk too. But still too much to pay.

I have a lot of rocks, not as big as theirs, but a better size for this project anyway. First I gathered my rocks.

And used this chalkboard spraypaint to paint them. This is the 3rd project I’ve used this one can of paint on. Since it’s a little more pricey, I’m glad it’s lasting a while.

I painted 2 light coats on each side.

Then seasoned them by rubbing a piece of chalk all over them.

And rubbed it off with a cloth. Now they’ll be ready to write on.

Then I adhered magnets to the back of the rocks with E6000 and let them set over night.

I had these magnetic strips purchased from Ikea just hanging out in the basement. They’ll fit into Zach’s new room perfectly.

I need to paint his walls before I can put them up.

But here’s some close-ups of the magnets.

Zach thinks they’re going to be fun to write and draw on. I’m going to hunt for some chalk pens. I think they’ll be easier to use on a small area.

And now I’m sure Ammon will want some, so I’m glad I made extra. So, what do you think? Pretty cool for a boy’s room.

I’m linking to:

Get Your Craft On Thursday at Life As Lori

Hookin Up With HOH at House of Hepworths

Feature Yourself Friday at Fingerprints on the Fridge.

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Home and Family Friday at Home Is Where My Story Begins

Decorating Your Home at It’s A Blog Party

Craft Schooling Sunday at Creative Jewish Mom

Sundae Scoop at I Heart Naptime

Just Something I Whipped Up at The Girl Creative

Making The World Cuter Monday at Making the World Cuter

Anything Related at All Thingz Related

Power of Paint Party at Domestically Speaking

Filed under Crafts, Decorating, General organizing | Comments (17)

From Tiles to Coasters

August 23rd, 2010

I stopped off at Lowe’s to check out their mis-tints and didn’t find anything, but I did find these pretty blue tiles. There were only 5 of them so I snatched them up for .o6 cents each. It’s really weird going through the check out with only .30 cents worth of merchandise.

I cut out some vinyl, using my Cricut, to add to the tiles. I picked an all season theme so I could use them year round.

Once I had the placement right I peeled off the backing and secured them to the tiles.

Since I had 5, I added a little bird to one of the branches. I know 5 is an odd number, but in my home one is bound to get broke. Then I’ll have the usual 4.

I had these bumpers in my junk drawer.

So I applied them to the bottom of the tiles to prevent scratching any surface they might be used on.

I think they turned out pretty cute.

Don’t you?

I’m linking to:

Show Me How at It’s A Blog Party

Making Monday Marvelous at C.R.A.F.T.

Anything Related at All Things Related

Get Your Craft On Tuesday at Today’s Creative Blog

Tutorial Tuesday at Hope Studios

Spotlight Yourself at It’s So Very Cheri

Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design

Penny Pinching Party at THe Thrifty Home

Strut Your Stuff at Somewhat Simple

Transformation Thursday at THe Shabby Chic Cottage

Frugal Friday at The Shabby Nest

Frugalicious Friday at Findig Fabulous

Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors

All Things Domestic at Crazy Domestic

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Emilee’s Art Buckets

August 18th, 2010

I’m working on Emilee’s room a little at a time and luckily haven’t spent much money yet. I’ve been able to find things around the house to use in her room. I had these little buckets in the basement storage, but they were the wrong color. (Her room colors are yellow, green and black)

So it was time to get out the black spray paint. I used clothespins to hang the buckets from a hanger to paint them.

It worked pretty well but it was 95 degrees outside, the wasps were flying around me (they thought I was trying to kill them with the spray paint), and the hanger kept swinging so it was like trying to paint a moving target.

I usually love spray painting, but not so much today. Then I had to paint the inside.

I was going to label the buckets pens, pencils, colored pencils but then decided it would be more fun to think of a different way to label them. I used my Cricut to cut the words out of vinyl.

And then stuck a word on each bucket.

I used 3 different fonts for the words.

Emilee thought of using “dream”.

They will be hanging on this shelf, but it will be moved over her desk once I move the furniture around.

She draws a lot so it will be nice for her to have them so close at hand.

I’m linking to:

Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous

Feature Yourself Friday at Fingerprints on the Fridge

Frugal Friday at The Shabby Nest

Remodelaholics Anonymous Meeting at Remodelaholic

Saturday Nite Special atFunky Junk Interiors

Sundae Scoop at I heart Naptime

Make It 4 Monday at Cottage Instincts

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch

It’s So Very Creative at It’s So Very Cheri

Market Yourself Monday at Sumo’s Sweet Stuff

Topsy Turvy Tuesday at I’m Topsy Turvy

Power of Paint Party at Domestically Speaking

Filed under Crafts, General organizing | Comments (17)

Cook Book Covers

August 17th, 2010

Do you remember when I organized my most used recipes last month? Do you see those cookbooks in the back? They didn’t match and it was bugging me, so I had to do something about it.

I started with the binder in the back. It’s actually for take-out menus, but we probably use it almost as much as the cookbooks.

I just inserted some cute scrapbook paper behind the clear plastic cover.

Made a cute label out of paper and stickers.

Then stuck it on the scrapbook paper and called it good.

Here’s the inside. I just slid the menus into paper protectors and now they’re easily found when we have the urge for take-out or when nobody feels like cooking.

The paperclip is for take-out coupons, so we don’t forget to use them.

I covered the next cookbook with scrapbook paper too. First I adhered it to the original cover with a glue stick.

Front and back.

Then I made another cute label with paper and stickers.

I embellished this one a little more with rub-ons.

Then I just adhered it to the front of the book and mod podged the whole cover.

Now food spills should just wipe right off the cover.

For the next 2 covers I thought I’d try my hand at using fabric. First I cut the fabric about an inch bigger than the binder, all the way around.

Then I used heat’n bond on the back of the fabric. Just iron it on for about 10 seconds. Let it cool.

Then peel it off. It made the fabric a little stiff and easier to work with. It was easier to apply the mod podge too, without worrying about it seeping through the fabric.

I mod podged the outside front, back and side of the binder first.

Then I started working on the inside. I didn’t worry about it being perfect, but I did want it to turn out smooth with nice corners. I started by folding in the corner and mod podging it in place.

Then I glued the top, bottom and sides with mod podge.

Making sure the corners layed pretty flat and looked nice.

Here’s the completed inside of the cookbook.

And how it looks from the outside.

I covered this book the same way.

But used a vintage fabric that was sent to me in a gift swap by Kolien at Kitchen Table Productions. I have some fun ideas for the other fabric she sent me too, but you’ll have to wait until I dust the cobwebs off my sewing machine.

Doesn’t this corner of the kitchen look so much better? I might even cook more now, but probably not.

See that grinder? That also came from Kolien and I love it. Right now it’s holding rocks from places that are special to me.

Before and After Party at Debbiedoos

Spotlight Yourself at It’s So Very Cheri

Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design

Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts

Hookin Up with HOH at House of Hepworths

Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage

Friday Fun Finds at Kojo Designs

Craft Schooling Sunday at Creative Jewish Mom

Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming

DIY Projct Parade at The DIY Showoff

Motivate Me Monday at Keeping It Simple

Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do

Making the World Cuter Mondayat Making the World Cuter

Filed under Crafts, Decorating, Kitchen | Comments (16)

Flower Magnets

August 14th, 2010

I’m working on Amanda’s room slowly and as things pop into my head. I noticed her dry erase/magnetic calendar on the back of her door yesterday and decided it needed some color added to it. Her new colors are yellow, brown and white, so these are the flower pieces and brads I had to choose from.