DIY Fabric Boxes & a Link Party!
Last week I got the itch. Not a rash. An itch to do something. To DIY. To project. And so I challenged myself along with you, to do some organizing and beautifying. I am pretty gosh darn excited about the outcome of my project! We have this fabulous piece of Craigslist furniture sitting in our playroom. Nope, for this project I didn't paint it, but that is next on the list. Yep, a pair of boxes. Not so much. Here are some of the supplies I used to spruce them up a bit: FabricCraft Knife or ScissorsSpray AdhesiveYard StickCotton CordGrommetsEmpty Boxes I have a bit of a color scheme going in the playroom which is green and turquoise, so to cover the boxes I stuck with fabric in those colors. The boxes I selected were equal size and 15" squares {a super sized bin!}. I used the yard stick to measure A LOT and draw straight lines on the back side of the fabric for all of my cuts: Then I cut two long strips of fabric to wrap along the inside. So now the inside of my box was completely covered:
In My Own Style
I have a serious case of Spring fever. Spring and warm weather cannot arrive fast enough as far as I am concerned. Do you feel the same way? To help coax its arrival, I have been adding pops of fresh cheery color all over my house. I have been working on many projects – the mirror I posted about earlier in the week was the first. I made the monogram on top of the stool using software on my computer, giftwrap, Contact paper, and spray glue. Back in the summer, I posted How I Painted a Monogram on Furniture. Since I started blogging I have learned and am still learning all about Photoshop Elements. I painted this stool over 20 years ago. I was also inspired to do the makeover by all the colorful gift wrap I have hanging on the wall in my studioffice. I knew if I used the paper to decorate the stool, it would need to be sealed along with the printed monogram. On a plate with a flat center. As a way to decorate a gift. and a gift tag. How to Make a Computer Printed Monogram Stool 1. 2. 3. 4.
Get Rich or DIY Tryin': Key Holder Using Old Keys
Chris & I had a busy weekend of DIYing and estate sale browsing. We take on so many projects that it seems like a normal day for us is two for most people. Anyway, we got a lot done. Here is a quick project, but later this week we'll be posting part one of a bigger project. Do you often lose your keys? I definitely do. You need: old keys (you can get some here), a piece of wood (distressed, if possible), screws, pliers and a drill First, if your piece of wood is too long, cut it to the size you'd like. Using 2 plies, bend the bottom of the key upwards to create a curved hook. Once you've done this with all four (or however many you choose to use) keys, attach them to the wood. And you're finished with the front! To hang your key holder without using string or visible hooks, use a drill to create holes in the back of the piece of wood. Then you'll be able to put nails in the wall and simply hang this on them. And there you have it!
D*S diy projects for ladies’ home journal
A few months ago, we were asked to contribute some holiday gift DIY projects to the December/January issue of Ladies’ Home Journal. The magazine has just hit stands, and our projects are now available to view on their website! Some of these are variations on past projects, while others — like the vintage book tablet case and the coiled rope bowls — are brand spankin’ new. If you have any free time over the holiday weekend, you should definitely consider these projects for getting a jump start on your holiday gift-making. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday everyone! Image above: A trio of coiled rope nesting bowls in gold and neutrals make a chic, easy hostess gift. Image above: Make a vintage book iPad or e-reader case with a linen lining. Image above: A variation on our popular cat scratch pad tutorial, this time in a fun goldfish shape. Image above: Dress up simple white mugs with hand-painted botanicals or images of your choice to create personalized gift set.
Plaid Online
We're in love with the monogram trend here at Plaid! The addition of a personalized initial gives a unique touch to any room or decor piece. These types of pieces can be expensive, so we're sharing with you some easy (and budget friendly!) ideas on how to use our FolkArt® Alphabet & Monogram Paper Stencils along to make your own. These also make great housewarming gift ideas for friends or new neighbors - so grab your paint brush, and let's get going! Use either reclaimed pallet wood or a wood surface to make this Monogram Wall Art. Throw pillows add warmth and color to any room, don't you think? You'll find a selection of watering cans and other metal vases at flea markets and thrift stores - give one an elegant makeover by using the Italic font like we did below.
The Fountain Avenue Kitchen – Orange Vinegar (a “green” cleaner)
Household chores will likely be cast off in favor of egg hunts and family get-togethers this weekend, and that’s a good thing. Happy Easter! The arrival of spring, however, is known as much for bunnies and daffodils as it is for thorough cleanings. So the timing seemed right to consider an ingredient that can disinfect your counters as effectively as it can dress your salad: vinegar. Basic household items like baking soda, toothpaste, lemons, and vinegar have long been used for purposes beyond the obvious. They offer convenient ways to scour, deodorize, remove stains, and more. For some people, however, the pungent smell of vinegar is off-putting. My initial experiment involved stuffing orange peels into a Mason jar, pouring basic white vinegar overtop, and storing the jar in a cupboard without opening. When I shared this “recipe” in this very space three years ago, I was astounded by the response to my little experiment. Orange Vinegar (a “green” cleaner) Notes
Tips and Tricks- Part 2!
I'm overwhelmed by all of your kind words and emails asking for more tips and ideas, and for all of the wonderful tips you have left for me. I'm going to try and make it a semi-regular thing here at In This Crazy Life; because lets face it we can all use a little help sometimes!! I also had lots of questions asking if you could Pin this/feature this/share this- and the answer is of course you can! If you left a tip for me, but left it anonymously, then I cant give you credit- but if your name was there Ill certainly let the world know it was from you. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. Hope you find something useful from this list, lovelies- keep your eyes peeled for more to come! Missed Part 1?
Real Coake
Guess what? My living room is almost done…well at least I’ve got the walls painted and some art beginning to go on the walls. There are still a ton of things on my list for the living room. I just love it! Large wooden monogram letter – (this is an affiliate link and it looks just like the one I picked)ScissorsFabricPaintbrushMod PodgePencilOptional – Command picture hanging strips(affiliate link)(You will not need to mat knife shown above) Start by painting the sides of your monogram letter. I painted mine the same color as my fireplace so it would mesh will with the room. Do a rough cut of your fabric to the approximate size you will need for covering the wooden letter. I did a little reading before I began this project…shocking for those of you who follow my blog. To prepare the fabric, apply a medium coat of Mod Podge to the back of the fabric. Once coat on the back of the fabric has dried, you will notice that the fabric has stiffened. Wait for the Mod Podge to dry.
