The Glass Act

Took those small Halloween plastic rings that come in shapes modge podged them and dipped in glitter make for fun and cheep wine rings, also took about 20 mins to do with prep and all.

Found these at the dollar store so I put them on earings and uded as wine glass rings.

I saw these in the store, to make them I covered the top with news paper, and used painters tape around the bottom to establish an even line and used chalk board spray paint, I was able to find chalk at the dollar store to send with them. The glasses I bought at the dollar store.

Message Board

Took the frame of a cork board and covered it with fabric using a staple gun then took a roll of ribbon and and attached it in a vertical pattern adhering it to the edge with a staple gun.

Boxed Out

Rewind six years ago, I was converting my room into a Hawaiian paradise. I found boxes 3 cardboard boxes that fit perfectly on clearance for 25 cents apiece. Now, in my conversion to a more sophisticated color palette, I found my barging boxes clashing with my new style. However, I didn’t want to lose my prime storage space. I decided to make them over with just a little paint, some wrapping paper, and Modge Podge. Total cost 8 dollars for brown paint, everything else I had on hand.

It just goes to show items can be made over to work for you  and your needs. You are also not limited to just the types of boxes in the picture. Pardon the pun but think outside the box. Its a great way to use up that left over paint or wrapping paper.

1.       Start with coating the boxes with 3 layers of paint. Let dry in between coats.

2.       Measure the box bottoms and Lid; Length x Width, Length x height, Width x height. You need two of each for both the lid and box.

3.       I used wrapping paper that had 1 inch grid lines marked on it which made things easier. It was also something I had around the house so I didn’t have to pay extra. When you measure on the paper make sure you have two of each.

4.       Check to make sure each piece fits, by laying it in the box and using your nail to create folds for paper that is too big. I tried to make it so that the edges over lapped to the bottom, this way when I laid the last piece the bottom in there were no gaps in the paper.

5.       Modge podge the box then add the shortest side corner pieces in first. I started with attaching them to the outer edge of the box then rolling them to the inside and then applying more Modge Podge over to seal it. I then moved to the longer side piece. (Try folding the pieces in half. (hotdog style) To accomplish this then smoothing them from outside to the inside of the box to achieve this.)

6.       Place the biggest piece in last go slow, and seal with a layer of Modge Podge on top. It should dry in about 2 hours.

7.        Come back and add paint touch ups to the edges and outside of the box where needed, let dry 2 hours later.

8.       Add Modge Podge to the outside, of the box let dry and enjoy.

Tin Tiles- Flea Market Find Rehab

I bought these at the local flea market. They were muddy and had lead based paint. My first step was to wash them with an S.O.S pad. It took care of some of the paint and almost all the mud. I then used a paint scraper to do the rest. This task was a bit of a pain and took a long time but was worth it. Make sure if you do this to take care around the edges so you don't cut yourself. The tiles are thin and when they are taken out they are sometimes jagged and bent. I washed the tiles again and let them dry for a day. I talked to my local paint guru, who recommended I used a latex paint. It took about two coats , I let them dry in between for a day. I decided to make the holes on the edges bigger (when they put the tiles up they used nails which left holes in sides. I used an ice pick to to enlarge the holes. This allowed me to string ribbon through the holes to hang the tiles off a hook. I tied the the ribbon in a small knot, on the back side, to keep it from coming out. This project took me several months because I was waiting for right ribbon and debating on framing the tiles. It was good that I took my time finishing it. Taking my time allowed me to examine my options and play with what I wanted to do. I ultimately decided to use the ribbon so that if I change my mind and decided to frame the tiles I still can.

Furniture Re-Dux

              According to Merriam Webster Online Dictionary, re-dux means, to be brought back.  For the purposes of this blog, I am going to use it to describe, bringing a piece of furniture back to life, that you thought you could no longer use.

In college I bought one of those “assemble yourself” shelving units, to place my small TV on. When I moved home after college I resented the item. I felt it stuck out, like an ugly duckling in my room. I knew I could still get some use out of it, so I decided to add color with a pattern.

I used primer to make sure the paint color stuck, I spent about eight dollars on a can I know I will use for other projects. I also paid about four dollars for a small foam roller designed to paint cabinets and other items.  You can buy these items at any hardware store that sells paint. I also let the primer soak in and dry for two days.

I painted two coats with latex based paint, using a small foam brush for the corners and edges. I let this dry for two days before I peeled the tape.  (Slowly moving my finger allow to provide nice even tension as I peeled)After I peeled the painter’s tape, I used a small brush to do touch ups on areas I might have missed or corners that did not paint well.

Then using a 12 inch ruler, I made marks with a pencil to guide my first row of painters tape. Then I marked the rest of my rows at 3 ½ inches, laying down one line of tape at a time. I then did the same going the other direction. (Make sure to mark your measurements from the top of the prior tape line each time.)

To really make my new and improved furniture pop I used chocolate brown storage bins I had on hand to store various things. I also used scrapbook paper, I had on hand, and that was in the same color family as labels.

Note* I learned that when dealing with any type of compressed wood that is pre-painted or treated it is a good idea to add primer to get whatever color you’re going for to stick to the wood.

There is also a magnetic primer out there that will make most things you paint magnetic! I hope to use this in a project soon.

Supply List: Primer, Small paint roller, Foam roller brushes, Small sample jar of latex paint, 12" ruler, pencil, and painters tape.