I am back at it again with Dawn at By Dawn Nicole sharing my hand painted front porch watermelon decor. I just can’t think of summer without thinking of watermelon. You also won’t believe what this sign was before I transformed it.
Enjoy your slice of watermelon and the little things in life!
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If there is one thing that I can’t ever seem to keep up with then that is my hair ties or ponytail holders. Whatever you want to call it. They seem to disappear just as bad as the dryer eating our socks. Can you totally relate to this same problem?
Now you don’t have to worry about losing them anymore. I have an old oatmeal container that is the perfect solution for you. It is so simple to make while simplifying and organizing your life at the same time.
This is a great craft that you can make with your kids too, and it also doesn’t cost a lot to make. Now you just need an empty oats container and you are ready to go.
Check out the video below and then scroll down for more detailed instructions.
Supplies:
Empty oats container
Scrapbook paper
Scrapbook adhesive squares
Clear tape
Paper cutter or scissors
Pencil
Drawer knob
Candlestick holder
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
First lay your oats container on the scrapbook paper and draw a line to know where to cut your paper to cover completely.
*I haven’t found any paper that completely covers the oats container. I had about an inch still showing so I went ahead and cut a small strip and was sure to place it in the back where it won’t be seen later.
I used a paper cutter to trim my paper to the right size, or you could also just use scissors.
Place scrapbook adhesive squares on the back of the paper and then place the paper around the oats container. Be sure to place your small strip on the back first.
Then to make sure that the paper would not come off, I placed strips of clear tape on the back as well.
Using the hot glue gun, place hot glue around the top edge of the candlestick holder and then place the oats container on top. I used a clear glass candlestick holder that I got from the dollar store.
While it dries, you can glue your drawer knob on the top of the oats lid. I found my silver knob at Lowes and it only cost me $0.98. They have so many different styles, but this one was the cheapest and also still very pretty.
Let the knob dry. While you are waiting place your hair accessories inside and then cover with the lid. If you use the large size oats container, you can also wrap your head bands around the container for even more organization.
Of course the knob is not for practical use to lift the lid off, but it really dresses it up and adds that extra touch.
If you want more detail, decorate the oats container with stickers as well. I just chose to keep mine simple.
The other great thing about this project is that you can use it to also organize your craft supplies. I placed washi tape inside mine to keep it all in one place.
Go look in your pantry for that oatmeal container or start hitting up your family for one so you can get started on this organizer. You won’t have to worry about losing stuff anymore with this quick, easy, and inexpensive solution.
Enjoy your oatmeal breakfast and the little things in life too.
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This post was originally published on Club ChicaCircle on April 15, 2015.
Have you ever received a gift that you really didn’t know what to do with or maybe just didn’t like it at all? Don’t torture your friends by re-gifting it to them unless you know that they will really like it. Inspiration may just hit you even after 4 years, and you suddenly have an idea on how to use it.
Well at least that’s what happened to me. Last week I was cleaning out a closet upstairs and found this “lazy Susan, organizer, cup tray thing” that was given to me and Mark when we got married.
It always reminded me of something that we could use one day in our kids rooms for their toys or something else. I had put it in the closet and never really thought anything else about it, until the other day when I couldn’t stand the chaos any longer of my washi tape stash.
Plus the tray spins which makes it really neat and easy to find anything I need. If you need to transport it, the cups also have their own lids.
I wanted my organizer to match the other stuff in my craft room too. I made a pegboard organizer before that you can check out HERE that I had some spray paint leftover from. I used the same colors to paint it so it matched absolutely perfectly.
It holds all my washi tape just perfectly keeping it organized by color, theme, or design.
Another thing I can be obsessed with at times is sharpie markers. I love all the bright and different colors. These cups also keep them organized and all in one place, so I’m not searching the house over for a certain color.
This is going to be such a fun addition to my desk and craft room. Plus it didn’t cost me a thing to make either since I already had the spray paint too.
So go ahead and start shopping around your house for things you have, but you never really thought you would use but couldn’t part with them either. Grab some spray paint, and you have yourself a simple and quick organizational project to make your life simpler. Enjoy your newly organized desk and the little things in life.
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I have enjoyed so much decorating my house for Easter and spring lately and sharing it with you guys. I have received so much positive feedback about my moss and twine wrapped Easter bunny that I decided to share another fun Easter craft.
That adorable bunny was just missing one thing. She needs to eat like anyone else right? So what do rabbits eat? Carrots of course. I made her a delicious treat using craft items that I already had and even upcycled a few others.
These empty spools from sewing thread were given to me from my Maw Maw. I didn’t really know exactly what I wanted to do with them at first and kept them until the right time. Both sizes turned out great and fit together just perfect.
Sometimes I love to just step back and look at all of my supplies and see what I can use to create something new without always having to run to the craft store and spend more money.
Continue reading below for written instructions but for a quick and fun preview check out the video below. I am so excited to have a video to share with y’all and look forward to doing more in the future. Please let me know what you think in the comments below. Hopefully this will help the visual learners as well.
Supplies:
Empty spools of thread- You could also use styrofoam cones.
First fold 2 pipe cleaners in half and stick them into the end of one shorter empty spool of thread. Set it aside to use it later.
Place a small dot of glue on the end of one cotton ball and place the yarn in the glue.
Stick the cotton ball in the narrower hole at the end with the yarn still being outside the spool. *The cotton ball gives a base to glue the yarn to instead of just leaving a hole.
Place more hot glue around the cotton ball and spool to glue the yarn in place and hide the cotton hall.
Start wrapping the yarn around the spool being sure to cover it completely. Continue wrapping around the entire spool pushing the yarn together as you wrap to keep any color of the spool from not showing through.
Once you get closer to the wider end, place the smaller spool with the pipe cleaners in the wide end.
*You will notice in the picture above that I had not yet wrapped the yarn around the spool. I found that it was easier to wrap the yarn first and then add the pipe cleaners closer to being done.
Place hot glue on around the pipe cleaners and wrap the yarn around to glue it in place.
Do the same for as many carrots as you would like. Once you have made as many as you like, I liked wrapping the three together with twine to add that little rustic touch.
Now doesn’t that bunny just seem happier and complete now?
I couldn’t be happier with how this turned out. I have seen so many cute carrot decorations for Easter and spring. I hope you enjoy this craft and the little things in life that each holiday brings!
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Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
I have been wanting some new desk organizational items but did not want to spend tons of money for them. I was surprised to find that a matching set of desk supplies can cost quite a lot.
Instead of spending a fortune on them, I decided to make my own by buying certain items that were inexpensive and just jazzing them up some. I also upcycled other items which didn’t cost me one bit.
Michaels had a large selection of paper mache items like these boxes I found in several different sizes. I knew they would work perfect to organize several different supplies.
I was also doing some baking recently when I emptied a plastic can of icing. I don’t like to always collect canisters and then not use them, but I couldn’t throw this one out.
I immediately thought it was the perfect size to hold my pens and pencils. But it is way too plain and needing some spunk added to it. That’s where another fun way to use washi tape came into action.
I know I have used washi tape a lot lately, but there really are a lot of good uses for it. It is so inexpensive and can be found in so many different designs and colors.
I started covering the old icing cup and paper mache boxes and before I knew it, my coordinating desk organization was coming together.
I saved so much money using items I already had and couldn’t be happier.
I love taking old items and giving them a new purpose without all the money and hard work. Now you can too. Let me know if you have other ideas or suggestions for keeping things organized for a fraction of the price with recycling items.
Enjoy a new organized life this year and keep enjoying the little things in life.
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Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
I love making cake pops!! That is no secret about me. But what has made it even more fun is using paper straws for the lollipop sticks. I am always on the look-out for new and different designed paper straws.
Before we get started, if you would like to make some cake pops but have never tried before then check out my tutorial here to help you get started.
Instead of having to always buy a certain designed paper straw, you can design and make your own. If I want several different colors or designs, I don’t have to worry about buying several packs and then not using them all.
Let me first say that washi tape is incredible and can be used for just about anything your heart desires. I know I love it and can’t get enough of it. It is definitely one of those craft supplies that you have a collection of because you are always finding new and different patterns that you can’t live without.
While working on some Valentines cake pops, I decided that I wanted the lollipop sticks to have a little pizazz which is where this whole idea came from.
You can either wrap the washi tape on the lollipop stick before or after dipping it in the candy melts. I did mine both ways and it works fine.
If you decide to wrap the washi tape before you dip them, then be sure to leave about ½-1” space for the stick to go into the cake ball.
Continue wrapping the washi tape around the entire length of the lollipop stick until you are happy with the way it looks.
I used different size tape as well. The thinner tape worked good to make a candy cane strip appearance. The thicker the tape is, the harder it will be to make stripes but it still covers the stick completely and easily.
Now your lollipop sticks are complete and ready for that special someone. I love how the washi tape on my Valentine’s cake pops really makes the sprinkles on top pop.
No more searching the internet for that perfect paper straw. We all have that pretty washi tape we can use instead which saves us time and money.
Enjoy your lollipop sticks and Valentine’s Day this weekend!
Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.
Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
One thing that a lot of people probably don’t know about me is that I love anything Barbie and especially vintage Barbie. I by no means have a huge collection like some people, but I do enjoy collecting their memorabilia when I run up on it.
This Barbie calendar is one that I had several years ago, and I just couldn’t part with it at the end of the year. I love the pictures for each month with the “old” style or vintage Barbie. I have held on to it since then wanting to do something special with it, but I couldn’t decide until now.
Instead of keeping the calendar folded all nice and neatly and tucked away in a drawer, it was time to show off those gorgeous dresses and colors. My craft room was also needing a little something extra on one wall beside my weekly chalkboard that I repurposed from a clearance find so why not frame those gorgeous ladies and show them off. I saved a ton of money from not having to buy other décor pieces as well.
A great way to save money when buying picture frames is to always check at your local dollar store first. I found these black frames that are simple but perfect for this project. I didn’t want a frame with too much decoration that would actually take away from the pictures themselves.
Lay the glass part of the frame on the top of the picture so you can see what part of the picture you want to use and cut out.
Draw a line on the picture beside the glass to make it easier to cut.
I then just used my paper cutter to cut the sides off which made it much easier to get a straight line. You could also use scissors.
Place the picture inside the frame and that is all! I hung several on my wall for a collage of pictures.
You could also frame one and place it on your desk for a little something girly and decorative with all the bright colors.
I also noticed that because the pictures are from a 12 month calendar, there are some gorgeous beach, holiday, Christmas, etc. themed pictures that would be great to frame and use during that particular season to change them up a bit.
I have another larger calendar from this past year that has all sorts of desserts with cake pops and macaroons that I would love to frame and hang up as well. This is such a great way to repurpose your old calendars instead of just trashing them.
I hope you enjoy even the little things like a framed calendar picture as much as I do. I would love to see what your style of calendars is as well if you choose to frame them.
Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.
Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
One of my favorite things about shopping is looking for items that are significantly marked down that I can fix up a little and make them either brand new or give them a different use. Which is why this upcycled framed chalkboard made my day. I found this chalkboard at Marshalls but wasn’t loving the bright green to use in my craft room. I have nothing against bright green. It just didn’t match my décor. My bedroom as a child at my parent’s house actually had lime green walls.
The chalkboard had been marked down to final clearance because of a small scratch on the chalkboard that wasn’t noticeable at all. Plus I’m sure the green wasn’t appealing to everyone either. Well it was my day because the framed chalkboard was only $3.00!!! That’s right- just $3.00. I couldn’t believe it. The frame around it is very nice and not cheaply made at all either.
Even though this find was specifically a chalkboard, the same concept works for any framed picture. You can always find old framed pictures at yard sales or local thrift stores and turn it into a chalkboard for the same purpose.
What you will need:
Chalkboard or framed picture
Black spray paint– I needed the spray paint to cover the bright green chalkboard. If using a framed picture, then you will probably not need it.
First I removed the chalkboard from the frame. If using a framed picture then remove the piece of glass.
Next I painted the chalkboard black with spray paint in order to cover the bright green completely before painting it with the chalkboard paint. You may want to do the same to the piece of glass if you worry that the chalkboard paint does not cover the glass evenly allowing the picture to show through the glass.
Once spray paint has dried, paint the board or glass with the chalkboard paint using a foam brush being sure to brush horizontally until the entire board is covered. I have found that the foam brush seems to give the most even appearance without all the normal brush bristle marks. A roller would also give an even finish but didn’t want to have to dirty one up and then clean it too.
Let the paint dry and sit for about 1 hour and then paint it again being sure to now brush vertically. Let the paint dry again for at least one hour before continuing.
*Be sure to read your specific bottle’s directions for the best way to apply your chalkboard paint for the best finish.
Once all the paint is dry, place your chalkboard back into the frame and secure in place.
Before writing on the chalkboard, you will need to cure it. Take a piece of chalk and rub it on the entire board.
Then wipe it clean with a damp cloth. You are now ready to write on your chalkboard of course with either chalk or chalk markers which tends to make it easier.
Because I want to use mine for a weekly to-do list for a possible organization station in my craft room in the future, I chose to add the days of the week but didn’t want to free hand everything.
I chose a font on my computer that I liked and measured the board to see how large I wanted the wording to be. Once you have the right size and font, print your words or letters.
Rub chalk on the back of the piece of paper and then place directly on the board where you want your words or letter to be. Using a piece of chalk, copy over the writing with a firm pressure.
You can now remove the paper and you will see an outline of what you just copied over on the paper.
Write over the design or wording using a chalk marker to make it easier or with chalk again to make it more pronounced.
You can remove any excess chalk using a moistened Q-tip to give a clean and neat appearance depending on the look you desire.
Once you are happy with the way things look and your design is complete, hang your board and keep yourself organized just a little bit more each day.
The best part too is that if you change your mind about the design you want or need to change your weekly to-do list, you can easily by just using a damp cloth.
You can also find different colors in chalk markers to add more style than just the traditional white. I personally love the look of the white chalk by itself. I plan to add more color by hanging some other pictures and décor beside the chalkboard. Sometimes simple is just better.
I hope this encouraged you to keep your eyes open the next time you are shopping. Instead of just passing over the clearance aisle without a second glance, stop and let your creativity come alive. You may be surprised at what you can think of and how to reuse great items that just need a little tending to.
I could walk into a store and buy the same item for much more money without the effort, but that just isn’t me. I love a DIY project first but probably even more than that, I love to save money! Why spend the extra money when you don’t have to and can enjoy recreating something.
I truly enjoy shopping. There is no denying that fact but I must never forget to enjoy the little things in life, even when that is a $3.00 chalkboard.
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Magnetic chalkboards bring back so many memories from my childhood. At least the chalkboard part does. I remember the mess of the powder from the chalk flying all over my bedroom as a child. So I got to thinking the other day. I need to bring the chalkboard back. What better way to do so then to make mine own! I love a good craft project and especially one that is very affordable, easy to make, and not very time consuming.
The great thing about this particular chalkboard is that it is going to also be multi-functional. You will able to also use it as a magnetic board. I love the idea of being able to write reminders or notes in chalk but also hang a picture or any other note with the magnets.
Let’s get started!
Here is what you will need:
Metal cookie sheet
Spray paint
Chalkboard paint
Foam brush
Magnets
Chalk
Ribbon- if desired
First you will want to clean off your cookie sheet if needed to avoid any dirt or dust being glued onto cookie sheet and showing up in paint. I found mine at a yard sale as I find many other items for different craft projects. I think I bought 3 for very cheap. They were beat up looking and scratched, but it will not matter since you are going to spray paint it anyways.
Spray paint your cookie sheet. I choose to spray the bottom side of the cookie sheet because of the look I wanted when hanging it up on the wall or placing it on a metal stand.
I choose a glossy turquoise blue which I am loving recently. Be sure to cover cookie sheet completely. Allow to dry and spray paint another layer if needed to avoid any metal showing through your spray paint.
Once your cookie sheet is dry, you are now ready to add your chalkboard paint. It just blows my mind that chalkboard can be painted on. I choose a black chalkboard paint that would match well with the turquoise blue. I also saw the dark green chalkboard paint when I was in the craft store for a more traditional look. The dark green would look great too depending on the color you choose for your spray paint.
Be sure to read the paint’s bottle for directions before starting. The brand I bought had specific directions which may be for all chalkboard paint. Also decide where exactly you want to paint the chalkboard. You could do a certain section or in a certain shape. I choose to paint the entire cookie sheet on the bottom side leaving the turquoise blue to still show around the edges.
First paint one layer with your foam brush horizontally across the cookie sheet. You may see some streaks from the brush making it appear the spray paint will show through, but do not worry. Once you paint another layer, it will be covered completely.
Wait one hour before painting another layer to allow the first layer to completely dry. Paint a second layer now being sure to paint vertically this time.
You will start to see the streak marks disappear and the cookie sheet being covered completely.
Once the chalkboard paint has dried, there will be a solid coating that looks smooth. I was concerned when painting mine that the streak marks at first would look tacky but have no fears. The finished product looks great.
Now if you want to buy some cute decorative magnets, then that is fine. I personally always love a good DIY so why not recycle by using certain small objects. I spray painted several items that I found in my desk drawer and around the house. I used a 3M hook, a binder clip, and other decorative magnets that I wanted to match so I spray painted them as well. Be sure to coat the magnets completely especially if you are using other small objects that may have certain pictures that you do not want to show.
Once your objects have completely dried, you will need to add an actual magnet in order to make them magnetic of course. I had some magnets that I just glued to the objects with my hot glue gun. I also had some magnets that had an adhesive on the back of them that are much more easily applied.
My cookie sheet had a hole at the top of it that can be used for hanging on a hook. You can also thread ribbon through the hole and tie a pretty bow for a little something extra. The ribbon is also useful to hang up the magnetic chalkboard as well. I looked for a pretty ribbon at my local craft store to match the turquoise blue I painted on the cookie sheet but did not find one that I particularly liked. I plan to keep looking as I like the appearance of adding the bow. I do suggest though getting a ribbon that is wire edged in order for the bow to hold its shape.
There is still one last step to make this magnetic chalkboard complete. And of course that’s the chalk. Write your family a special note, remind your husband or children of a particular appointment, write down the menu for a special family dinner, or just about anything else you want to say. Depending where you hang your magnetic chalkboard, depends on what your message would say.
One room that I think this magnetic chalkboard would be perfect in is the kitchen. As I mentioned above, writing down a menu for a special family dinner that your family can look forward is a great idea. But along with the menu written down, you can use your magnets to hang the recipe card you will need later that night. This will make it much easier to find helping to get dinner on the table even quicker.
Your children would also love the magnetic chalkboard in their bedroom to draw pictures and play with their friends. I love using mine in my office with inspirational quotes, pictures, etc.
I hope you enjoy your magnetic chalkboard. Also be sure to check out the magnetic frame board I made using a picture frame, sheet metal, and some fabric. You will love it just as much. As always, do not forget to enjoy the little things in life!
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