Strawberry Planter Into Pendant Lighting...

Create a cheap and unique Light fixture that doesn't require hard wiring

 Painted Strawberry Planter + light bulb kit from a paper lantern
( you can find them at world market or Target)

Super Simple Jewelry Jar...

Tinted Mason Jar For Jewelry

 

No matter how many jewelry boxes I have, my jewelry always ends up on the bathroom counter or my dresser. Since our countertop space is limited I decided to use this mason jar as a catch all for when I don't take the time to put my stuff away properly.This provides quick & easy access for bracelets and earrings.

*To tint your mason jar, see previous post for the "how to".

Candle Jar Turned Brush Holder...

Re-use a candle jar for your make-up brushes:

Supplies:

* Candle Jar

*Mod Podge

*Food Coloring

*Paper plate

Steps:

1) If you still have wax on the bottom, stick the jar in the freezer for a bit and then use a butter knife to break it free. Then wash & dry it.

2) Add food coloring to some modge podge (make whatever color you want) I mixed blue & yellow.

You only need enough to fill your jar about a quarter way.

3) Pour mixture into jar and swirl around so all inside surface is well covered.

4) Pour the left over back into mix

5) Turn upside down on a paper plate and let sit for 20-30 min. depending on how big you jar is.

6) Flip right side up and let it continue to dry

7) I would wait at least 24 hours before putting anything in it to make sure that it has dried.

Rustic Face Lift For Shelves...

How To Give Your Plain Shelves Some Rustic Flare...

AFTER: Paint & Paper

                  

                       BEFORE: Plain white plastic Shelves

                 

List of Supplies:

*Shelves

*Primer ( gray spray or plastic)

*Satin Nickel (Rustoleum spray paint)

*Barn wood scrap book paper 

*Spray adhesive

*Sealer (spray or matte Modge)

*Gray,black,white paint

*Bronze paint or glaze

*Old 2" paint brush ( for dry brushing)

*Smaller paint brush

*Paper towel

Steps:

1) Prime and let dry

2) Spray with Silver and let dry (may need 2 coats)

3) Brush darker paint with small brush and then blot with damp paper towel & let dry

(I mixed some black, blue, and gray with some water to make a glaze)

4) Bronze paint or glaze (watered down) dry brush lightly length wise & blot and extra and let dry

5) Water down some flat white paint and use paper towel to very lightly dab on color &blot any extra

6) Cut paper to size. If you have holes like mine cut them a little smaller than hole so you can fold paper into the hole.

7) Spray paper & shelf with spray adhesive(follow instructions on can) and place paper. Smooth it all out so there are no air bubbles (make sure that your edges get enough glue other wise the paper might come up)

8)Once paper has dried, you can apply a spray sealer (make sure it's paper safe) or Matte Modge Podge (may need a few coats).

9) Once everything has dried assemble your unit & you're done.

Wrap paper down in hole

Glue paper to shelves

                          

Shedding Some New Light...

From the Local Coffee Shop to My Night Stand...

Cheap Lamp Makeover Using a Coffee Sack

$6 Lamp+ Paint+ Spray Adhesive+Hot Glue+Free Coffee Sack 

Tip: Go a local coffee roaster and ask for a sack (they usually just throw them away)

BEFORE: White

Dry Brushed layers of paint & glaze

Base coat: Satin Nickel

                                                             

BEFORE: ugly blue & white stripes

1st layer: White fabric

2nd layer: cut up coffee bean sack

New Shade!

Custom Mail Boxes...

 

Organize Your Mail

Using Chalkboard Paint

 

 Materials: Tip: When you go to the hardware store make sure to check the "Oops" paint shelf for great deals for a project like this.

* 1 or 2 Unfinished mail holders ( I found these at Michaels)
* Multi-Purpose primer ( I use Valspar :tinted gray)
* Light colored paint ( I used a cream: latex)
* Red paint (This is a pre-mixed red:Valspar enamel gloss)
* Chalkboard Paint
* Med grit sanding sponge (much easier for distressing)
* Small paint brush or sponge brush
* Small artist brush
* Old rag ( paper towel will work too, just not as good)
* Paper & Pencil

Steps: Tip: Layering  multiple colors of paint

will give you a since of depth: creating an aged appearance.

 

1. Lightly sand any rough areas & wipe down with damp towel.

2. Paint with Primer & let dry.

3. Paint with cream ( just kind of a light coat) & let dry.

4. Paint with red & let dry. (may need 2 coats of red).

5. Sand lightly all over for a more antique look.

( I decided that I didn't want mine to look new and glossy,

so I sanded most of the sheen off).

6. Sand harder over the edges to give it a "worn" look.

7. Wipe down with damp cloth.

8. Optional: I made my own glaze by mixing a bit of my

grey primer, a tad bit of chalkboard paint and a few drops of water.

*Paint this glaze over areas you want ( I did it all over).

* Wipe it off with a rag or paper towel.

* Repeat in some areas to make darker & wipe away.

9. Make a template out of paper of the size & shape

that you want your label to be.

10. Use template and trace around it on your mail holder.

11. Paint label with chalkboard paint & let dry.

12. Paint a 2nd coat of chalkboard paint & let dry.

13. Use chalk or a chalk Marker to customize your labels.

 

Hang and Enjoy!

 

                   

 

 

 

 



Mirror to Chalkboard...

What's on the Menu Tonight?

 

This is a great way to fill an awkward corner

 &

 tell the guests what's for dinner.

 

 

Materials Needed:

* Mirror (I just bought a cheap tall mirror from Meijer)

* Multi-Purpose Primer (I used Valspar and had it tinted grey)

* Chalkboard Paint

* Nice high quality angle brush (Purdy or Wooster)

* Painters tape ( if you are messy)

* Newspapers or drop cloth

* Chalkboard Markers ( bought mine at Michaels)

 

Steps: Tip: Always ,always, always stir your paints well before using!!

1. Make sure the mirror is clean & free of dust.

2. Tape around the border ( optional)

3. Paint on primer & let dry.

4. Paint a 2nd coat of primer & let dry.

5. Paint on Chalkboard Paint (don't paint on too thick) & let dry.

6. Paint on a 2nd coat of chalkboard paint & let dry.

7. Optional: Antique metal frame: Mix a bit of the chalkboard paint with some water & use a small paint brush to paint in frame seams and ridges. Quickly wipe most of it off.

8. When everything has completely dried, use the paint markers to write out a menu, or decorate as you wish.

Tip: To help you write straight across: Cut out a piece of cardboard to the width of mirror (so it fits inside the frame). Use regular chalk and draw a line across using the cardboard for a straight edge. Then you can use your markers to follow your chalk line. Then when your marker paint has dried, you can easily wipe away your chalk line.