Archive for ‘Do It Yourself’

August 31st, 2010

Celebrating Blog Week With ME OH MY!

Me Oh My is the blog of a wife, mother and student named Nicole! {sounds busy} I happen to come across her blog randomly about a month ago and it has become one of my favorite blogs to visit. Not only does Nicole have amazing style, but her pictures are flawless and her life in California makes me want to say Me Oh MY! (I think my desert dwelling days are numbered people…) Anyways, we wanted to highlight Me Oh My because Nicole is obviously knowledgeable about home decor, has some incredible DIY projects and you need to see her KITCHEN TABLE! Oh Vey, her kitchen table is ridiculous. Ridiculous = Amazing.

So please feast your eyes on some of Nicole’s (Me Oh MY) DIY projects.

#1

Me Oh My loved this garden planter above from Anthropologie for a while however she wasn’t wanting to  want to fork out $40! Makes sense to us!

Then one day she saw this at Homegoods-$9.99 are you out of your mind?

So she bought a can of cream textured spray paint, and gave the planters a good first coat.

Me Oh My then sprayed the planter with white spray paint (she always has cans of white laying around) After the white spray paint she again went back over it a few more times with the texture spray. This time concentrating on where she wanted thicker texture- at the base and at some of the angles on top.

She writes, “Of course the Anthropolgie one is much prettier, but there pass the test- especially mixed in with the other plants!”

Personally, I think these went beyond passing the test. They look AMAZING!

#2

This Garland seems complicated by the steps, but it is so simple! You must try it. I made them a while back, and found the tutorial here.

I wasn’t sure which fabrics to use, so I bought a few different kinds.

The silkier fabrics create a softer floppy flower, and the stiffer fabrics created a more of a structured flower. I preferred the sturdier fabrics. I got about a yard of each color of fabric I wanted to use. I then folded it a few times and cut it at about 3-4″ wide.  (Each cut varied.)

Unfold your fabric and thread your needle. Fold the fabric back and forth to make your stitch. This was the fastest way to get through all the fabric.

Once all of your fabric is thread, pull to gather the fabric down the thread to create your flower.

Knot the thread a few times to keep the middle of the flower tight.

After you finish all your flowers, glue onto selected trim. I went with a thicker more substantial trim, which I think really helped with the weight of the flowers.

THE FINISHED PRODUCT!

This post has inspired my Halloween Decor for 2010. Thank You!

Lastly, here are a few pictures of Nicole’s home…. look at the table.

 

We love Me OH My

For more information:

www.meohmymama.blogspot.com

meohmyblog@gmail.com

 

All images courtesy of Me Oh MY

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryDecor and Style, Do It Yourself, Keighley, Lifestyle, blog stalking | Comment2 Comments »

Tags:
August 19th, 2010

More DIY Cakestands

 

I made some more DIY cakestands for a church thing today (click here for instructions).  These two ended up being my favorite stands.  They would work great at a bridal shower or baby shower.  Heck, they could even double as a a decor item in my home (i.e. display jewelry on a dresser/vanity). 

I heart them.

Vintage Floral DIY Cakestand

 

Vintage Floral DIY Cakestand

 

Vintage Floral DIY Cakestand

 

Do you heart them?

~~Camberley~~

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryCamberley, Do It Yourself, Thrift Store Find | Comment4 Comments »

Tags:
August 16th, 2010

Make Old New Again

 

Everyone is watching their money a little more closely these days. So when I came across these ideas for your home decor I had to share. Eileen Kathryn Boyd-a top interior designer from NYC- suggests updating your old pieces rather than buying new ones. Not only will you add some spice to your old stand bys, but you’ll save a ton of money!

 

Spray Paint

Boyd has an inexpensive way to turn old chairs into original works of art! Buy a can of high-gloss spray paint in a bold color and spray the frame of an old chair, leaving the neutral fabric. Now you have a chair that’s become a true statement piece, and don’t be afraid to use a bright orange or hot pink. The color will excite you and energize the space!

 

Fresh Fabrics

How many of us have hand-me-down furniture donated lovingly by friends and family – leaving us with the challenge of misfit styles and uncoordinated colors? One way to hip-up something vintage is re-upholstering with fun fabrics. Although re-upholstering is an investment, it costs less than buying brand new chairs. Try mixing and matching different colors and prints. It’s like stepping out with a new outfit and makeup.

 

Simply Removable

Boring hutch? Spice it up by painting or placing wallpaper behind it. Simply cut foam core so it fits snug in the back of the shelves. Then, using some spray-mount and a fabric or wallpaper of your choice, stick it and push to the back of the shelf. Your hutch will go from helpless to happening! This trick works for bookshelves, too.

 

Re-Design Your Desk

A dull desk is uninspiring! Find a refreshing fabric, something bright and motivating. Then have a slipcover made to fit the surface of your desk. Depending on your fabric choice this can be done for under $200

Happy Decorating!

Debs

Photos/Information courtesy of  fncimag.com

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryDebbie (Debs), Decor Pictures, Decor and Style, Do It Yourself | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
June 24th, 2010

My Organization Quest Continues…

Yes-my organization quest is still going strong. I’m not sure at this point if it’s a blessing or a curse. Because whenever I open a drawer or a cabinet I find myself thinking:                      “Is there a way to organize this better?”

 It’s this thinking that made me face the fact that my jewelry drawer was in complete chaos {and I had jewelry  in 3 different areas in my closet}. So I set out to find a way to organize my jewelry so that I could a) see it all easily and b) keep it orderly.

 

I share with you my “fab finds“ for jewelry organization-the Farmer’s Egg Crate from Anthropology.

 

 

Here’s how I’m using it for my jewelry…

 

 

 

 

 

Another “fab find” for jewelry are these small organza bags which I use for organizing my jewelry “sets”.

 

 

And then I found these ceramic serving trays at Home Goods by my house. They were the perfect length, width and depth so 3 of them fit superbly in my jewelry drawer.

 

 

 I organized by organza bagged jewelry by lining them up in the different dividers in the ceramic tray according to style and color. And now my jewelry sets look like this:

 

 

And I can now check this area off my list!

Happy Organizing…

Debs

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryDebbie (Debs), Do It Yourself, Organization | Comment4 Comments »

Tags:
June 18th, 2010

The Summer Learning Club

Every summer when my kids were young I’d bring my kids together for some ”summer learning”-which meant everything from cooking and crafts to learning how to clean a toilet the right way. {My only son could opt out of everything but the cleaning lessons-poor kid.}

A couple of mornings ago I woke up having the same urge-to have a summer learning club with all the girls. I’ve been tossing around the idea of having a learning club after a friend from out of town shared how she does it with her friends and family. They get together and share ideas, make things and learn to do something together.

That gave me an idea: Our first summer learning session is going to be Sewing 101. Some of the Bella girls already know how to sew but I thought that we’d move past the aprons and beach bags and do something more challenging. Like dresses!

 

 

 

 And not just any dresses-dresses from the past. I think that we should go to my Mother’s house {i.e. Grandma Dorothy} and go through all of her old dress patterns. Because she (and I) made some great dresses back in the 70′s and 80′s. 

 

 This one from the 70′s was one of my favorite.

It was so versatile. You could make it with cotton fabric for everyday school wear or use a silky fabric and wear it to the prom. And the lace trim made the dress!

 

 

Another option is the “Princess Diana” look of  the 80′s.

It was so popular yet for many of us we had to make our own in order to jump on this fashion bandwagon ahead of everyone else.

 

 For those who are pregnant (or thinking about getting) how about making your own maternity dress?

I did back in the day when maternity clothes were so ugly that the only option was to become a pseudo fashion designer and make your own. {BTW: I think that the person in our family-who might be announcing their pregnancy to the world in the near future-would look fabulous in the above shorts ensemble.}

Or we could  do….

 

 

Something from the 50′s when Grandma D was at the peak of chic.

But she’s going to have first explain how to get that “my waist is smaller than the size of my head” look. I guess that could be the topic of our next summer learning club.

Debs

 

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryDebbie (Debs), Do It Yourself, Real Life | Comment7 Comments »

Tags:
May 25th, 2010

Homemade Bubble Bath Take One = Disaster

 

A couple of weeks ago I thought “I want to learn how to make homemade bubble bath”.  So – what did I do?  I made myself some homemade bath brew.  Unfortunately, this experience didn’t end with me relaxing in Lavender/Rose Scented Bubbles.  It ended with me scratching my head and wondering “where did I go wrong?”. 

 

CALLING ALL HOMEMADE BUBBLE BATH EXPERTS!!!! Maybe you can help me solve my dilemma?  Let me take you through my little experiment.  Step by step.

 

Step #1:  Pulled together ingredients and took picture for blog.  Ingredients = 4 Cups Distilled Water, 1 Bar Castille Soap – Shaved (4 Oz.), 4 Oz. Liquid Glycerin, Lavender and Rose Essential Oils.  Picture for Blog =

 

 

 

Step #2:  Mix the above ingredients together.  Stir and let sit.  Stir and let sit.  Castille starts to dissolve in water and liquid glycerin.  Stir and let it sit another 15 minutes.  Forget to take picture of mixture.

 

Step #3:  Deb arrives and take a look at the bubble bath mixture.  “I think you need to heat it up in order for the castille soap shreds to dissolve,” she says.  “Really, the directions didn’t say anything about heating it up,” I reply.  “I guess I’ll give it a try… couldn’t hurt – right?”  I look at her and Kiersten, searching for affirmation. 

WARNING: I think this next step is where I went wrong.  You tell me.

 

Step #4:Put bubble bath mixture in microwave.  Heat for 45 seconds.  Remove and stir.  Put mixture back inside microwave.  Heat for an additional 45 seconds.  Remove.  “Yay!  It’s dissolved!” I exclaim.

 

Step #5:  Keighley and Debs suggest I add food coloring to the bubble bath mixture.  So, I add 1 drop of red food coloring.  Pour the bubble bath into a beautiful glass bottle.  Test bubble bath out in kitchen sink (test #1 = success!).  Remember to take pictures for blog.

 

 

 

 

Step #5:  Test #2.  Get Bubble Bath mixture home and start bubble bath.  Bubble bath doesn’t bubble.  Makes my bath water turn murky. Reminds me of a milk bath. 

 

The following morning I woke up and took a look at my beautiful rose colored lavender/rose bubble bath and am heartbroken to see that it has solidified.  Ends up looking like something the mom on Better Off Dead would make for dinner.

 

I will be attempting homemade bubble bath again this weekend.  If any of you have suggestions, I would love to hear them.  Otherwise I’m calling my Father-In-Law, Dave (he’s the family chemist). 

 

~~~Camberley~~~

 

 Please Note: Someday I will have a nice camera, lighting and studio set-up.  Until then, please put up with my Droid Pictures.  Thanks!

 

 

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryDo It Yourself, relaxation | Comment6 Comments »

Tags:
May 4th, 2010

New Uses for Binder Clips=Designer Card Holders

 

 

Most of you {including me} have limited our use of binder clips to holding papers together. But have you ever thought that these clips have other creative uses?

These clips work great for holding paper things “upright“-like photos, post-cards and recipe cards.

 

 

 

Attach two 3/4″ clips or one 1-1/4″ clip to the bottom of the card that you’d like to have stand up. It’s so much cheaper than buying a frame or card holder. You can even changes your pictures out more frequently when using this idea.

 

 

 You can get creative and buy clips that are more decorative-like in colored metallic or with a fun design. I went to my favorite discount store {hint: it begins with a “W”} and found these in the office supply section. {See below.}

 

 

 I was thinking that you could even add a little ”bling’ or simple embellishments to each clip. {This officially turns them into a “designer” clips.}   

 

 

Whether you use them to hold things up or to keep your papers together-these ”designer” card holders are inexpensive to make and extremely fab. Your friends will be impressed!

Happy DIY

Debs

Images: Our Bella Girl Keighley

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryDebbie (Debs), Do It Yourself | Comment3 Comments »

Tags:
April 29th, 2010

DIY – All White Cake Stand

 

A couple of weeks ago, Keighley and I were at the Goodwill {this is were we spend many a “date nights”}.  While I was there, I decided to pick up some “cake stand” supplies (cake stand supplies = plate and a small vase or candelstick).  Here is what I came up with~~~

 

Directions:

  1. Take Clear Guerilla Glue or Epoxy and glue plate and base (base = vase or candlestick) together.  Let it dry overnight.
  2. After the glue has dried, scrape off any excess glue and wipe down plate and base.
  3. Place plates (face down) onto newspaper or a drop cloth.
  4. Spray the back of the plate and base down with non-toxic glass paint/spray paint
  5. Let paint dry and Voila!

 

 

In the future, I’d like to try these with vintage printed plate, milk glass vases and colored glass candlesticks.  For more DIY cake stand inspirations, click here.

 

 xoxo ~ Camberley

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryCamberley, Do It Yourself | Comment3 Comments »

Tags:
April 19th, 2010

Getting Organized: Deb’s Spring Cleaning Update

 I promised to show you some of the areas that I’ve been organizing at my house. And to share with you how I’ve incorporated my “favorite things” {Remember the post I did with the storage bags, lidded containers, labeler, etc… If you don’t then check it out here}. 

 

Today I decided to tackle my laundry room. So I started by taking everything out of the messy and unorganized cupboards.  The above picture depicts what my organization project looked like at the peak of my quest.

 

The above cupboard holds tissues paper, gift wrap boxes and miscellaneous small gifts (you never know when you’ll need a last minute gift!).  Notice how disorganized it got over time {I only have myself to blame}.  This cupboard bothered me the most - so I tackled it first. I began with the tissue paper…

 

 I took small folded tissue paper sheets and found that they fit perfectly in a clear container-without the lid.

 

Then I stacked the long sheets of tissue paper according to color and set the “small tissue paper” container on top. Next, I  put gift tags and colored markers in their own small containers {school pencil storage boxes from Walmart work great for this!}. I then stacked the  small sized gift wrapping ribbon on top of these containers. It made sense to me to pair these items together since I typically use all of these when I’m putting together a gift bag.

 

 The next cupboard I reorganized holds my paper supplies. This cupboard was was fairly orgainzed to begin with; however, I made sure that all cards and envelopes throughout my laundry room were all of the bottom shelf and that all the containers were labeled. {It helps me remember where I’ve put things like glue guns, extra staples or small gift cards!)

 

 This is my sewing drawer after I organized it {believe me it was a complete disaster before I worked on it.  Unfortunately, I forgot to take a pic to prove it}. One thing I love about this drawer-which makes it so much easier to organize-are the smaller sections built inside the drawer. If you cannot afford to have them built in then I suggest using a silverware drawer organizer.

Now I know where all the buttons are that I get with all sweaters and shirts {far left section}, my needles/pins/tape measures {middle section} and ALL my scissors {right section}. There are two additional sections in the back or the drawer that I’ve put the remaining sewing supplies like fabric cutters, velcro, spools of thread, etc…

 

I love ribbon and have a drawer full of it. This is how I keep my ribbon organized-I installed these brackets that hold a slim metal rod that I feed the rolls of ribbon onto.

 

When I need ribbon all I have to do is open the drawer and cut what I need. Today I went through the drawer and made sure that all the rolls were tidy and that the ends were securely fastened. {Recently my grand kids discovered this drawer as well as the scissor drawer-you can imagine how much fun they had unrolling and cutting ribbon before they were caught in the act!}

 

 When I was finished, this is how the laundry room ended up looking-AND- I feel so much better knowing that behind those cupboard doors things are much more organized.

Now if I can just keep it that way!

Happy Organizing…

Debs

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryDebbie (Debs), Do It Yourself, Organization | Comment3 Comments »

Tags:
April 13th, 2010

Bookcases Aren’t JUST For Books…

I have a “design” confession to make.

Sometimes …when I go into other people’s houses …I notice their bookcases. And… if I’m in the room long enough I start figuring out in my mind how I would rearrange it…just in case they give me permission to do so…and if I’m not careful my imagination runs wild!

And I think about all the possibilities: What would I add? How would I rearrange the items on the shelves? What would I eliminate?

Don’t feel like you are the only one I would do this to. I do it at my OWN house as well.

And I’ve been trying for months to redo the shelves in my family room. SO when I came across an article recently in the REAL SIMPLE solutions book I was reminded of how to put together a bookcase by adding different elements to the books you already have on your shelves.

 VASES: 

Keep your empty vases on your bookshelf. You can cluster them according to different sizes, shapes or colors.

 

 

COLLECTIONS: 

Assemble a collection of random objects-such as a bowl, a book and a frame-that have the same color. Or put all of the same type of object on your shelves-like frames.

 

Look to your fireplace mantel or side tables to find items that you can move to your bookcase-such as a clock or an interesting object-like a ceramic bird. They place them in a different way than you would expect. For example, stack a few books and place the clock on top.

  

 

  

STORAGE BOXES:

Attractive wooden or woven models-or nice decorative boxes can hold your everyday items like remotes, batteries for the  controls, meaninful loose photos, etc.

 

 

 

 

ARRANGING YOUR BOOKS: 

Place your books loosely in some places and snugly in others; arrange them vertically and horizontally. If you’ve got several coffee table or art books, stack them horizontally with the spines telling a story–all on individual artists, gardening, or travel destinations, for example. Or how about arranging by color?

 

If a dust jacket on one of your large books is a favorite, try leaning it against the back of the shelf (like a painting). Or if you have a small painting that gets lost on a wall, place it between books on a shelf.

 

 

 

DECORATE “OUTSIDE THE BOX”:

Be daring. Do something that you wouldn’t expect on or in a bookcase-make the area visually appealing by trying something out of the ordinary-oversized objects on the top of your bookcase, folded throws on a self, fresh flowers in a vase or lots of small objects tucked away in your bookcase

 

 

 So my advice to all of you with nothing but books in your bookcases: pavck some of those books away and mix things up abit OR call me to come over. I’d be happy to conjure up some wild and crazy ideas for your shelves!

For more ideas on decorating your bookshelves visit Real Simple.

Happy Decorating!

Debs

Images:  BHG, Domino, Point Click Home, Real Simple, Southern Accents

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryColor, Debbie (Debs), Decor Pictures, Decor and Style, Do It Yourself, design dilemma | Comment3 Comments »

Tags:
April 13th, 2010

For Mom’s Only! (Ask your dad to help)

Kids- If you and your dad want to make me something for Mother’s Day this year (ps. Mother’s Day is May 9th) this is what I want you to make me!

Instead of this paper plate flower vase. I mean, it’s cute and crafty and all but it will end up in the trash…

 

 

These spicy tea soaps will be enjoyed much more…

 


Spicy Tea Soaps

What You Will Need:

  • Glycerin soap base
  • Large kitchen knife
  • Cutting block
  • Large glass measuring cup
  • Medium-sized pan and water
  • Stovetop
  • Stirring spoon
  • Dried chamomile flowers
  • Dried lavender flowers
  • Herbal tea bags
  • Essential oil
  • Colorant (optional)
  • Soap molds
  • Rubbing alcohol in spray bottle
  • Decorative paper scraps
  • Ribbon scraps
  • Tape
  • Tissue paper or cellophane
  • Glue stick
  • Rubber stamps or stickers

 

Instructions:

Use a kitchen knife to cut the block of glycerin soap into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes into the glass measuring cup. Set the measuring cup into the pan, and fill the pan with water to reach halfway up the outside of the measuring cup, creating a double boiler. Set the stovetop burner on medium heat under the pan.

Keep a watchful eye as the glycerin cubes melt—about 10 minutes. Stir as needed. Remove from heat and skim off any skin that forms on the surface of the glycerin.

Add the lavender, chamomile, and contents of the tea bags to the melted soap. Stir to combine. Add a few drops of essential oil, and colorant if desired, and mix well.

Pour the melted soap into the soap molds. If bubbles appear on the surface, use a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol to spritz the surface of the soap. Allow the soap to harden and cool. Then, pop the soaps out of the molds.

To decorate rectangular soaps, recycle gift wrap by cutting strips to wrap around the bar. Secure the back with a small piece of tape, and tie off with a ribbon for extra pop. For round soaps, wrap tissue paper or cellophane around the soap, bringing the ends of the paper to the top of the bar. Seal it with a round piece of paper secured with glue. Decorate the paper with rubber stamps or stickers.

Love, your mom!

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryBathroom, Children, Do It Yourself, Jamie, beauty, relaxation | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
April 7th, 2010

DIY: Preserves

 

Who doesn’t love fresh flowers in their homes?

If you are looking for something a little more permanent but don’t necessarily love artificial flowers…preserves are the way to go! Here is a great way to incorporate preserves in your home. Now before I go any further I want you to try and see the potential. The pictures do not give the concept enough justice. Think lovely glass jars and vibrant preserves! (i had to do this quick)

1.) Get you some Preserves.

2.) Get some twine. String, yarn, ribbon, coil etc… anything will do.

3.) Separate into any size you want and get to binding!

 

 

4.) Place in apothecary jars and vases. These would look great on a kitchen table, island, or on a windowsill.

 

 

 

So much potential right?!? Incorporate some preserves into your home. Whats not to love? They smell great and don’t die.

xoxo Keighley xoxo

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryDo It Yourself, Keighley | Comment3 Comments »

Tags:
April 5th, 2010

Get Organized!

Last week I shared with all my Bella friends that I am in the process of cleaning and organizing my house in order to get control of my life. I’ve been calling it “Spring Cleaning” but the sad reality is that I’ve needed to do it for some time now- so this year I jumped on the seasonal bandwagon and told myself that it was time. Which meant collecting the tools and supplies I’d need to get the task accomplished. I guess you’d say I was organizing  to ORGANIZE.

Here are my personal favorites-the things that I cannot do without- when it comes to cleaning and organizing my closets, cupboards and drawers:

 

#1: Clear containers with lids

I love the clear containers that are the small enough to stack on my shelves. Because these come in a variety of sizes I alway pick up at least 2 different sizes when I come across them at the store. I always have extra on hand just in case I feel the need to fill it with junk that’s laying around the house.

 

 

Item #2-Closeable plastic bags-

 

I find that I use the quart, 1 gallon and 2 gallon size bags the most. Each bag has an area for you to label what’s on the inside-so I do. I  put “like” items together in these bags. For instance, I put all of my store receipts in a baggie before filing them away. That way I’m not fighting with lots of little pieces of paper. Once you start organizing with baggies you will find that they are great for gaining control of the little things around your house.

 

 

Item #3 Sharpie Markers

These are my personal favorite for using on the above mentioned baggies. They don’t smear and will never come off. I sometimes forget all that’s inside a bag or a folder so the sharpies comes in handy for labeling these things. It’s also great for the times that I need to find something quickly.

 

 

 

Item #4 Small white baskets

These baskets have so many different uses! For example I have found that in my pantry there are many different ways to use these for organizing: I put all of my seasoning mix packets (taco, dressings, gravy) into quart size baggies and then “file” them inside a white basket, I use the larger size baskets for separating and holding things like breads, crackers, pasta, baking supplies. In my craft closet these are a “must-have” for holding all the different things I have like scissors (I bet I have 15 pairs), Ulta-fine colored sharpie markers, glues, etc.

 

 

Item #5 The LABELER!

This is my personal favorite because it not only helps me to know what’s inside the various containers that I’ve put things into-it also helps OTHERS know what’s inside. (Or what’s to go back inside the container when they’ve finished using it.) For example, I just organized the toy cupboards using clear lidded containers which I labeled. So now when you open the cupboard you know what toys are where-and the grandkids (or should I say their parents since my grandkids can’t read yet) know where they go when it’s time to clean up.

 

 

Item #6 Diet Coke

I think that this is self-explanatory. About halfway through organizing I always need a little “pick me up”  so that I have the energy to finish. (Although this week I am taking the bold step of going off this beverage-am I crazy or what? Wish me luck.)

 

Later this week I will show you the areas that I’ve been organizing.

Debs

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryDo It Yourself, Organization | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
March 29th, 2010

DIY – Sewing Desk Makeover

 

Remember meeting this little gem a few weeks ago?

 

 

Well, this little beauty received a makeover this weekend.  It all started with a “sand” job…

 

 

Followed by a new desk top.  (The original desk top had a hole in it {for a sewing machine})

 

 

 

Next, came the stain.  I used an ebony stain on this desk.  I only applied 4 coats, so it turned out more espresso than black.  (The below picture shows the desk with 2 coats of stain)

 

 

After I had completed staining the desk, I finished the desk top off with a coat of white/pink paint.   (The amount of pink in this paint is so minimal it appears white). 

 

 

 

Cost Summary

  • Desk — $7.00
  • Paint — $4.00
  • Stain — free (I already had it)
  • New desk top — $4.00

Grand Total = $15.00

 

-Camberley

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryCamberley, Do It Yourself, Thrift Store Find | Comment2 Comments »

Tags:
March 26th, 2010

Green Spring Clean…

Spring Cleaning has officially started at my house. I’ve cleaned the fridges and freezers out and I’m tackling the worst closets in the house. This got me to thinking about what products to use.

I found these product ideas on ListPlanIt .  Many of the products you see in this list will have words like sustainable, bio-degradable, chemical-free, renewable and reusable in their descriptions.  I am also a big fan of products that multi-task, both in their usage and in storage. 

 Here are some of new things that I am either using currently or plan to try out this spring.

  • Gleen Cleaning Cloth – GLEEN, combined with the power of water, safely and effectively cleans hundreds of surfaces. This unique 16 x 16 inch cloth effortlessly cleans windows, mirrors, marble countertops and more, with only water, for a streak free gleam. No need for expensive sprays, harsh chemicals or paper towels. Just dampen GLEEN with water, wring it out and experience easy cleaning, every time. (You can find these at amazon.com)
  • There are lots of great cleaning products out there.  Look for plant-derived, mineral-based, non-toxic, and chemical-free alternatives to the standard cleaning products.  Here are some popular brands:
      Bar Keepers Friend® Cleanser & Polish
      Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day All Purpose Cleaner
      Method All Purpose Cleaner
      Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner
      Earth Friendly Products Orange Plus Ready-to-Use Surface Cleaner
      Martha Stewart Clean, all-purpose cleaner
  • Fuzzy Wuzzy Microfiber Blind Cleaner – Use with or without water, these microfiber “fingers” make cleaning blinds easy quick and easy.
  • Euro-Pro Shark S3501 Deluxe Steam Pocket Mop – I don’t have this Shark mop yet, but after 15 years of mopping on my hands and knees, I am ready for a change. I’ve been researching alternatives and I think this is the way to go for my tile floor.  No chemicals and only 30 seconds to heat up.
  • 3M Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Biodegradable Absorbent Sponges – This 2-pack gives you one for the dishes and one for scrubbing sinks and toilets (don’t get the 2 mixed up).  I have used sponges for years, opting to put them through a cycle in the dishwasher after each use.
  • Norpro 24-Inch Lambswool Duster – This duster can help you reach high places. It will hold dust until it can be shaken outdoors. And it can be cleaned with soap and water when it gets too dirty.
  • Dyson DC17 Animal Cyclone Upright Vacuum Cleaner – I only have a small area with carpet, so I have not needed a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner. Some of my friends have Dyson vacuum cleaners and rave about them. Anyone with a pet knows how valuable it is to find a solution for the pet hair, and this one is supposed to be the best for that. No bag means you never have to touch the dust.

Happy Cleaning!

Debs

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryDebbie (Debs), Do It Yourself | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
March 16th, 2010

Puffy Shamrocks

Crafted by Amanda Formaro

You will need

green construction paper, card stock or poster board
school glue or white craft glue
green tissue paper or party streamers
scissors

SET UP

1.)Draw a shamrock shape onto a sheet of green construction paper. If drawing freehand, draw three hearts with a stem.

2.)Older children can cut this out themselves. For the younger set, you can cut it out for them.

3.)Rip or cut up the green tissue paper into small bits, about 1 inch square.

Instructions

For younger children, have them crumple up the bits of tissue paper. Put a little glue into a glue pot or margarine lid for each child. Have each child dip one of the crumpled bits of tissue paper into the glue, and place on the cut out shamrock shape. Alternatively, you can put a layer of glue directly on the shamrock shape, one shamrock leaf at a time. This method creates less mess than dipping individual pieces into the glue.

For older kids, using a pencil with a new eraser, place the eraser in the center of the tissue paper square. Twist the tissue paper around the eraser and then press the eraser onto the construction paper. Lift the pencil out of the tissue paper, leaving it on the shamrock.

Continue until the shamrock shape is full of tissue. Glue a piece of yarn, string or ribbon to the back to hang your shamrock.

xoxo Keighley xoxo

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Color, Do It Yourself, Keighley | CommentNo Comments »

March 12th, 2010

Cupcakes Anyone?

 

    This is one of the greatest books around! At work Debs has a stack of inspirational home decor books that I like to flip through whenever possible. This is the only food-themed book in our office and let me tell you…. IT IS INSPIRING! The pictures are art, I can literally almost taste the cupcakes, and the colors and textures of the frosting make me swoon.

After flipping through this book for the past year I came up with a brilliant plan! wahahahaaa. In the near future I am throwing a ‘cupcakes‘ party and all those who lucky enough to attend are going to be assigned one of the recipes Shelly Kaldunski highlights in her book.  Everyone will bring there batch of cupcakes where all invitees will vote on ‘Best Taste’, ‘Best Look-Alike’, ‘Worste Taste’ (which I will most likely win), ‘Best Attempt” and ‘Queen of the Cupcakes!’

{Pssst…I just came up with the contest while I was writing this post so categories will most likely change as the party draws closer.}

Anyways, if you would like to be invited to my personal shindig leave a comment and MAYBE just MAYBE you will make the Cupcake CUT! xoxo

PS. Check out some of the CoopCakes!

Crap. These are the only ones I could find online.

 For all future attendees I will scan and email you a recipe, instructions, and rules.

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryDo It Yourself, Entertaining, Inspirations, Keighley, Shopping | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
March 4th, 2010

Party Streamers

When I posted these pictures the other day under our ‘Quote’ I knew I had to figure out how they were made! What a great and easy way to enhance streamers. I found the tutorial on MY PAPER CRANE by HEIDI KENNEY. Stop by her site to see some more cute crafts. In the meantime however, here is how to make your streamers more fabulous.

They are simple and much faster to make then they appear.
#1 Cut strips of streamers. I didn’t measure mine at all, I just cut about 12-15 inch lengths and set aside in large pile.
#2 Sit at your sewing machine with the pile nearby so you can easily grab as you sew. Take the first two strips of varying colored streamers and lay them on top of each other. Don’t worry if one is longer then another. Begin to sew them down the middle slightly pushing the streamers as they are sewn. This will create the ruffle look and takes very little effort to do. You just lightly push along. As you come to the end of the streams grab two more and overlap them with the previous streamers.
#3 Keep sewing until you have a n ice long chain. Snip all threads and wind up until your ready to hang.

Another reason I like these is streamers in general are thought of as disposable. They are thin, cheap, and rip easily. But when sewn like this the streamers become something you can use over and over again. The sewing/stacking/ruffling makes them feel real sturdy and thick. This would go even fast if you want to make a chain of two colors. Then you wont need to cut strips, just lay the streamers on on top of the other and sew, letting the ends unroll as your sewing.

(article & photos courtesy of Heidi Kenney @ My Paper Crane)

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryDo It Yourself, Keighley, Real Life | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
February 22nd, 2010

Rainy day kid craft!

It’s a rainy day today, therefore, rainy day schedule is ON! Since my little G-man is still sick I don’t want to take him to the mall or Chick Fi-la (which is what I would normally do on a rainy day).
I found this craft idea and I think it is perfect for boys. Girls would love it too but let’s be honest, you have to be a little more creative with boys. Teaching them to paint hearts and coloring princess stuff is not super fun for them. I think my boys will love this. Hope you try it out! Happy rainy day.

Sensory Bottles (using old water bottles or gatorade bottles work great too)

Directions for Sensory Bottles-

a. Lava bottles: fill 1/2 water and food coloring, and 1/2 baby oil. It produces a lava lamp effect when tilted.

b. Snow globes: fill half with water and half with corn syrup. Add glitter, beads, paper clips etc. The corn syrup makes the glitter fall slowly for dazzling effects.

c. Discovery bottles (not pictured): fill with rice and small objects like dice, small toys, paper clips etc. As you roll the bottle, different objects will come to the surface to be discovered.

Once filled, simply fill the bottle caps with hot glue and turn them on. Let set until dry.

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryChildren, Do It Yourself, Jamie | CommentNo Comments »

Tags:
February 16th, 2010

New Uses for Old Things: Brooches

In this day of smart spending and careful budgeting, the Bella Girls thought that it might be fun to focus on “re-purposing with a purpose” decorating. So today is the first in a series of taking old things that may be laying around your house and turning them into fabulous decor items. Our first idea is for…

Old Brooches

Go through your old jewelry (or find a family member who is willing to give you their brooches) and  find ones that are missing the pin or that you don’t plan on ever wearing. Use wire cutters to carefully remove the pin.

Glue a magnet onto the backside.

 

 And use your new “fab” magnets  for all the pictures, lists and photos on your fridge…

 You’ll have the best dressed fridge on the block!

 

Happy Decorating!

Debs

  • Share/Bookmark

CategoryDebbie (Debs), Decor and Style, Do It Yourself | Comment2 Comments »

Tags:
« Older Entries