Five-Minute Projects

I've noticed a trend lately... I seem to be unable to devote more than 5 minutes (give or take a few) on any given project. Chalk it up to motherhood, short attention span, not enough sleep, whatever. So when I saw that my friend Courtney over at Feminine.Unique.New had made this adorable earring holder, I knew this project would be my next best friend.

It used items I already had, it helped me organize my dresser just a bit by getting all my dangly earrings corralled in one place, and it looks pretty. Score!

I'm super happy with how it turned out. And the fact that I was able to get it done in five minutes, all while trying to keep my scissors out of the prying grasp of my 11 month old!

What projects have you done lately?

Ugly Dresser Turned TV Console!

Believe it or not, I actually forgot to take some "before" photos of this guy. I'm sad because it truly was hideous, and I'm rather proud of the transformation. I found it for FREE on the side of the road. And yes, my husband was very reticent and really questioned my sanity on this one. But thankfully, he gave me some garage real-estate and now he admits that it was worth it.

I had found a paint sample a long time ago that was this jade color, and I decided to match it for a fun pop of color against our blue/gray walls. I'm glad I chose this color! It does tie in well with the rest of the house too. 

We brought the lamps that had previously been in our bedroom out here. I like the white base with the green dresser. The shades got dolled-up with some pretty yellow ribbon from Wal-Mart. 

On the left side of the dresser, I grouped a painting (an original watercolor by my grandmother), a pretty white ceramic owl, and a terrarium from my sister. 

The middle section of the dresser had 3 drawers hidden behind the doors. We removed the first 2 and cut holes in the back for all the cords, and now they house the DVD player and sound system! 

I love finding things that make better use of the space we have! With only 880 square feet to work with, we sure can use every bit of help we can get!

Summer House Goals

 *First off, I just have to throw out a big thank-you to you all for the sweet comments on my post yesterday! I appreciate the support and encouragement so very much. As many of you know I'm sure, parenting can be a thankless job, so it's awfully nice to know that I'm not alone! Now, on to the next topic of interest...

Now that it finally feels like life has settled into a "new" normal for us, I am feeling the itch to start some home improvement projects again. It's so different having a little one around, but I still need to make time for the things I love.

Just for fun, I thought I would make a little list of house-oriented goals for the Summer. Who knows if they will be finished or not, but at least it might help me sort my thoughts out! I'm dividing it up room-by-room for a more organized effect!

PORCH
- Pot plants (flowers and herbs) DONE! Pictures to come. =)
- Buy new chairs for a comfier seating area DONE! See above
- Make it pretty using accessories I already have
- Sew up some new, outdoor-friendly pillows

LIVING ROOM
- Replace sliding door window screen DONE! Josh my handyman hubby rocked this project, it looks great. 
- Finish re-doing an awesome dresser I found on the side of the road (it's going to be a new TV stand)
- Finish painting the trim (this is a project that Josh has taken on, so all I have to do is nag him to finish ;), or maybe just bribe him with cookies)
- Bake cookies to bribe my husband to finish trim
- Possibly switch out the lamps in the living room with the ones in the bedroom
- Sew up some new pillows for the couch and chairs
- Work some decorating magic in there

DINING ROOM
- Replace old table and chairs DONE! Pictures to come.
- Possibly switch light fixture out for a new one

KITCHEN
- Pretty much done, just needs to be cleaned.

HALLWAY
- Find a piece of artwork that is large enough to cover our ugly fuse box.
- Fix the section of drywall that I ruined by improper removal of a Command Adhesive hook (um, oops).

BATHROOM (complete remodel this Summer!)
- Replace vanity (we found one at IKEA that we absolutely love)
- Replace flooring
- Retouch walls and repaint
- Get rid of etagere (it has served us well, but it's time for it to go)
- Replace mirror
- New shower curtain + accessories

LAUNDRY ROOM (part of the bathroom remodel)
- Add a couple more shelves for extra storage DONE!(Josh did this a while back)
- Remove unnecessary 2x4 some idiot screwed into the wall DONE! (oops, pardon the language, can you tell I was annoyed by that?)
- Patch wall after removing unnecessary 2x4
- Prime and paint all shelving
- Paint walls
- Put a light fixture in so we can actually see the laundry
- Replace flooring

EVIE'S ROOM
- Switch out curtains DONE! I replaced them with some white ones I had. I wasn't feeling the old flowery curtains, and I'm still not sure about these ones.
- Make a gallery wall over the crib (I have most of the things, just need to pull it together!)

MASTER BEDROOM
- Find a piece of artwork for over the bed
- Replace bed frame, possible make a tufted headboard
- Finish hanging art on the walls
- Refinish dressers (this will most likely not be happening this Summer!)

MASTER BEDROOM CLOSET
- Prime and paint all shelving
- Paint walls
- Make a drum shade pendant for the light fixture (right now it's just a bare lightbulb)
- Organize and give it a thorough cleaning!

PHEW! Wow, I guess I didn't even realize what a huge list this was. I was thinking it would be really easy to finish it this Summer, but I guess we will have to see.

How about you? What are some of your house-y goals for the Summer?

Backsplash is DONE!

The backsplash is done. And oh, what a difference it makes! It really brings out the white cabinets and pulls everything together. I love it! My husband did an amazing job. =) I helped lay a few of the tiles, but this project was definitely his baby.  Without further ado, here are more photos:

Say it with me: Ooooh, Aaaaaah!

Overall, this project cost us around $70. The tile was SO inexpensive. I worried for a bit that we would regret doing subway tile, because so many DIYers are going that route these days, but I don't feel that way now. It's just such a classic look, I think it will be "in" for years to come.

We still have to seal the grout, and add a couple more light switch covers, but it's pretty much finito. And so pretty to gaze upon.


Just for reference again, here's what the old kitchen used to look like:

 

Apparently, back then I didn't know that you're supposed to put away a few dishes and make your kitchen look a little less cluttered before getting all snap-happy with the camera. Oh well, it adds to the "before" effect. You know, like when they do makeovers on women and for the before picture they say "Ok, take off all your makeup, wear your most frumpy amish-housewife-type clothes, wash your hair in vegetable oil, and give me an expression that's somewhere between constipated and 'My husband just bought me a blender for our anniversary.'"

You know?

Projects Underway!

This weekend, we finally started on our subway tile backsplash! (note- this is not the exciting news I referred to yesterday, but it's exciting nonetheless...)

Even the small amount that we've accomplished is really starting to pull the kitchen together. Have you ever done home improvement projects that lag on forever, like fitting a 1,000 piece puzzle together? That's kind of what our kitchen project feels like right now, but this sleek subway tile backsplash is starting to bring everything together at last.

We got a bit waylaid when we realized that something needed to be done about the electrical outlets. Once the tile was in place, they would be set way too far back. Enter these nifty contraptions- outlet extender boxes.

All we need to do is screw them onto the existing outlet boxes in order to bring them forward a wee bit. The small plastic lips will rest on the new tile for a perfectly flush finish.

We spent all of Monday working on this (well, after I woke up at 10 am...), and got about 1/3 of the way around the kitchen. Hopefully tonight we can crack down on it again and get some more finished! I can't wait to be done! 

 

Any fun projects that you are working on lately? Have you ever installed subway tile? I would love to hear about it!

Burlap + Gold

I love unexpected combinations. Especially for holiday decorations, where things can easily careen into "gaudy" territory with all the glitter and stuff. Don't get me wrong, I love me some glitter! But, I think it's good to balance those things out.

I saw a magazine article recently (I can't remember which one- it was in a doctor's office!) that had a burlap table runner with gold stripes. I thought immediately "I could make that!" And so I set out to JoAnne Fabrics to gather supplies. I found some burlap fabric in the remnant section for only $1.50! It was less than a yard, but still perfect for what I needed. 

Using the lines of the fabric as a guide, I cut the fabric into two equal length runners. You can make them whatever size you want! Then, I peeled back about 4 rows or so to get a nice fringe around each side.

Then, I made a stripe going down each side using painters tape, and slid some sheets of paper underneath to protect the carpet.

I used some paint that I found at JoAnnes. It's normally used for less porous surfaces, but it had the sheen that I wanted so I thought I would give it a try! It's gold with a bit of silver mixed in called "Champagne Gold." I just can't decide whether to go with the gold or silver as an accent color, so I thought this would be a good mix!

Next, I used a foam brush intended for stenciling to dab paint down each line. Make sure to press the tape down well so you get a clean line!

After letting it dry overnight, I now have a brand new table runner that will work for the whole holiday season, and beyond!

 

I love the subtle shimmer of the gold. It's not overwhelming or gaudy, but it's the perfect accent to the rugged look and feel of burlap.

So I guess my holiday decorating has officially begun! No Christmas lights yet, but they will be coming soon. Have you started decorating for the holidays yet?

DIY Feather Headband

 Last week, I finally decided to use my package of decorative feathers that I purchased at Michaels a while back. I love the cute, spotted feathers and have been waiting for the perfect project to put them to use!

This headband was SO easy to make, and I think it would be a really cute Christmas gift for some special girl in your life!

My step-by-step pictures are lacking, but it's just so easy that I think you can handle it without the pictures!

Here are the supplies you will need:

• Package of feathers (mine were purchased at Michaels in the craft aisle, sorry I can't recall the price! They are under $5 for sure).
• Slim plastic headband (I bought a 3-pack of these at Target a few years ago)
• Hot glue gun
• Cute button or bead for the center!

I took a picture at the half-way point. You will want to figure out how big you want the feather-decal to be. I chose to go with a longer line of feathers since they are pretty delicate. Starting at the TOP, start gluing feathers down one at a time, spacing them so that each feather is seen. You don't need much hot glue, just a little dab will do!

Then, glue a couple more feathers facing the other way. It should resemble a bow, with one side being longer. Finally, glue your button over the top, and voila! You have a pretty new headband. I kid you not when I say that this took me 5 minutes! 5 minutes! So easy. 

Yes, I am already thinking about Christmas gifts- are you? As usual, I'm hoping to do a combination of purchased and homemade gifts for an extra-special, checkbook-friendly Christmas! How about you?

Easy Image Transfer

In preparation for our Hallowe'en Party, I wanted to make some fun Halloween-themed tags for labeling the different foods.

I searched online for ways to transfer laser-printed images, but all of the tutorials either used items I didn't have on hand, or just didn't work. I first tried using nail polish remover, since acetone is supposed to be able to transfer ink. However, it just made the paper too soggy and the image that transferred was really spotty and just didn't look right.

Well, my brilliant husband finally suggested that I try using 100% acetone instead, which we happened to have in the garage. It worked SOOO well! I couldn't believe how easy it was, and how well the image transferred onto the tags. I would highly recommend this method, since 100% acetone also evaporates so quickly that it doesn't make the paper soggy or wrinkly!

So without further ado, here's what you need to do:

Supplies-

• Laser printed image (I found mine on the Graphics Fairy website)
• Paper or fabric or some other porous surface to transfer onto
• 100% acetone
• Rubber gloves- IMPORTANT! Acetone can be really harmful to your skin, so you should take proper precautions.
• Q-tip
• Masking tape

Using the masking tape, tape your image, printed side down, onto the surface you want to transfer it to. I used some blank tags that I purchased from Jo-Anne fabrics a few years ago.

Wet the Q-tip in the acetone, and gently swipe it over the surface. As the acetone seeps into the paper, you will see the image come through more clearly on the back side. After applying the acetone once, re-apply using the same steps.

Gently peel off the paper and tape, and you will see your beautiful image transferred! Set it aside for about 10 minutes to ensure it is completely dry. Fabric may take longer to dry completely. After it's dry, you are done!  Please make sure to follow the directions for safety on the Acetone container. It's a dangerous substance if not used correctly!

I haven't tried using this on fabric yet, but I think it would work really well. You could also try this on wood, cardboard, or some other porous surface. I am just giddy thinking of all the possibilities, I think I will be using this method for years to come!

 

Prep, Prime, Paint!

Ever since we moved into our Home Sweet Home, Josh and I have been planning on painting the 80's brown trim to update our casa. Well, let me rephrase that, I have been planning to paint it and finally got Josh on the bandwagon. 

Well, as it turns out with most projects, it's definitely a big undertaking. Especially since our home is carpeted throughout. But, we are not people who shy away from a challenge! So, we've been tackling that ugly 80's trim one room at a time.

First, I started by taking a couple of days to focus on our bedroom. I taped off all the trim, using a flat spackling tool to wedge the tape under the trim so the carpet didn't get painted as well. 

Our trim isn't in great shape, so I also had to use paintable caulk to seal off some of the cracks and dents.

It's definitely a time-consuming project, but so rewarding in the long run! The bedroom trim is 95% done (just needs another coat on the doors), and not the hallway trim is underway as well. I can't wait to share the final result with you!

I know this is one project that we won't regret putting time and effort into. Stirrup pants and big hair may be making a comeback, but I'm pretty sure this 80's trim is gone forever!

Project # 2

It took me a good 4 hour chunk of time on Tuesday, but the curtains are finally done! I was hoping to finish them in under 2 hours, since they were already mostly sewn, but as I tweaked the design a little to incorporate features I wanted it got to be a bigger project! For instance, I added tabs at the top of the curtain for hanging so it would be easier to move the curtains. Originally, I had just folded the fabric over and sewn a loop for the rod to go through, but it made the curtains to difficult to open and close. The tabs are much better, plus I like the way the curtains lay now more! 

The green and cream fabric was from a friend that I helped with her sewing machine. She made curtains for her kitchen and had a ton of fabric left over, I think I still have 2-3 yards left!

Here's that list again- I'm still hoping I can power through the rest of these things before the week is out!

• Paint bookshelf #1
• Paint bookshelf #2 (post coming soon!)
• Finish curtains
• Organize and clean music room
• Prettify music room using things I already have
• Finish wooden tray (I found an awesome wooden tray at Goodwill that needs a makeover!)