Thursday, November 20, 2008

Easy Wall Decor


I could be happier with the results of this but the idea is good. I went with cheap and easy and it didn't turn out quite as cute as I think it could have. Overall, for the price....I guess I am happy!

This is so simple and could be adapted to any size, style or color palette. Sorry I don't have pics for the tutorial....I am writing this after the fact!

Supplies:

Styrofoam
Patterned scrapbook paper
Cooridinating solid scrapbook paper or ribbon
Adhesive- I used spray adhesive and glue dots


1. Get pieces of styrofoam. I used precut pieces that came 4 to a pack and were 9 x 12 x 1. If I wanted to make it look even better, I would have bought several bigger pieces of styrofoam and cut them to 12 x 12 x 1. I also would probably buy another set of 4 since I have such a big wall. Anyway......you get the idea......this is fully customizable.

2. Cut your styrofoam or your paper to size.

3. Spray the top of the styrofoam and the back of the patterned paper and apply. I also added a glue dot to each corner just to be sure!

4. Cut your solid paper or your ribbon to size.

5. Spray your paper and the styrofoam and apply (I also used a glue dot at each end of these strips as well). If using ribbon I would use Aleen's Tacky glue or something like that.

6. I have read to put picture hangers in the back of the styrofoam but I just put two nails in the wall......one on top and one on bottom (so that they would hang evenly) and stuck the styrofoam on those.

Here is a professional picture of some.......they claim that this is the method they used for this artwork. Looks pretty cool in my opinion! You could also cover the styrofoam in fabric as an alternative.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Twirly Skirt

I finally did it! I have been eyeing these skirts for quite some time but kept putting it on the back burner having a million projects that NEED to be done. I picked up a piece of fabric at the flea market the other day that was screaming "TWIRLY SKIRT" so I succumbed!


I can't believe how incredibly easy it was. To tell you how perfect the piece of fabric was for this project......it was EXACTLY the right size. I didn't have to cut it AT ALL! Anyway....I like the way it turned out! I can't wait to whip up a ton more! Here is the tutorial I used for this one.

Pocket Tissue Holder

I am sure ya'll have probably seen these a million times over but here is my version of the pocket tissue holder (it matches our diaper bag). I used this tutorial.


Baby Leg Warmers

Have you ever heard of BabyLegs? They are basically just leg warmers but they are so cute. You can put them on baby to make diaper changes much easier than with pants. You can put them in BabyLegs to keep their little knees protected while crawling. You can also use them for bigger kiddos as tights! There are numerous ways to use them but I think one of my favorites......on my arms. You can where a T and then pull these up under them and it looks like you have on a long sleeve shirt under the T! SO COOL! (and easy to remove if you get HOT!) ANYWAY, I made some using this tutorial! Aren't they cute? There are so many cute knee high socks available right now so I am taking advantage! (that's all you need....a pair of knee high socks and a sewing machine!) I think, from start to finish, I was able to make one pair in about 30 minutes.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Flea Market Finds

Very possibly my ALL TIME favorite past time. Thrift shopping. Pretty much EVERYONE thinks I am nuts.....buying JUNK! I am totally one of those trash to treasure people. I LOVE seeing something that once looked like trash transform into something beautiful! I suppose it's why I am also a sucker for makeover shows!

Saturday morning I took a trip to a local flea market and I had FUN! I only spent about $20 but I got some cool stuff....not to mention a few things I had been looking for and would have paid full price for!

I took some pics of a few of the things. Just keep in mind that many of these things will be "repurposed"!

I actually haven't decided if I will be painting this horse or not. It was too cute not to pass up. I am putting shelves up in SJ's room and will decide once I get those up what I will do.

I have been collecting these milk glass bud vases for some time now. I already had these shelves up in my kitchen but I found a few more vases to add to my collection! (yes, my house is old and YES, I know the soffits date my kitchen!)
FUN vintage books! The sewing book is absolutely scrumptious!
I mean, check out these pages! The copyright is from 1972 so it is a blast to look at! (check out those flounce pants on the far right side)
I bought this little planter to paint and use as a toothbrush holder! The shelves will be painted and go in SJ's room!
I got a ton of cool frames to paint and this really cool bronze plate thing (it's big). I can't decide if I am going to hang it on the wall or put it on the kitchen table as part of a centerpiece!
Oh.....and I have a soft spot for vintage sheets! I am absolutely in LOVE with the one on the far right!
And finally, I found this neato chair! It needs some TLC but has GREAT bones! (and SJ took right to it) It is really different......short and fat......I thought it appropriate for me :) JK....kind of.

I also got a pillow for my bed, some fabric, a plant stand and some other odds and ends!

I was giddy when I got home......even though I knew I would have to face eyes rolling and sighs! That is what I call QUALITY alone time!