Graphic number art work

I thought this was such a clever idea, and so easy to make. I have been visiting one of my favorite websites, pinterest and saw something similar. It is our families birth dates and our anniversary date. I used the computer program, printshop, to arrange the numbers and apply the graduating colors. Printshop is very affordable and it is very easy to use.

Now let me give you more detailed directions.

The supplies are shown below. You will need a plaque, I purchased mine at walmart for $3.97, a small amount of paint for the edges of the plaque, a piece of scrapbook paper, and glue.

First you will need to design and print your graphic number design on a piece of scrapbook paper. Cut to fit the plaque. Then paint the outside edges of the wooden plaque. Next, spread the glue evenly on the plaque and place your scrapbook page on top. Arrange heavy objects on top of the project to ensure a flat finished surface.

I used the finger nail file to buff the edges of the paper, and once finished I decided to highlight around the edges of the paper with brown ink. Then, attach a picture hanger and hang your art work!

In last weeks Friday blog, I had said I would do another dollar store blog, but I liked this so much, and plan to do the dollar store one another day!

Please make notice of my new addition to the blog where you can subscribe. It is very simple, and I do not even know who signs up! Keep in mind that it is possible the request will arrive in your junk box.

I am really trying to get the word out about my blog so if you know anyone who would be interested via email, or through facebook, please let them know about it. To make it easy here is a link to the blog.

Wall art arrangements

Arranging your pictures on the wall doesn't have to be a burden. I am going to give you a few tips to make the process a little easier.

Personally, I like not to work in the form of a grid if possible, that way you don't have to worry about making sure everything lines up. But if you want that look, just use a level and draw a chalk line, that way once everything is in place you erase the chalk.

Try to think outside the box as to which items you will place in your arrangement. Here I have made a plaque to be featured in a later blog, and gathered up letters from around the house. Also, I have taken a plate and customized it for the wall. Not to worry, I will be showing you how to

do that too at a later date.

The trick to a sucessful arrangement is laying it out on the floor, preferably below the wall it will be located on. Keep in mind the "weight" of objects it just makes more sense to have those things at the bottom of your layout. You can see in the photo above I layed it out more than once, and really just used it as an outline.

For more ideas on layouts, this photo is from the back of a frame and there are also many ideas online such as a article on HP's website available here.

So, get out your things and spice up a wall of your own.

Please feel free to email or comment with any questions.

Dollar Store Shopping

These are the after results AFTER my dollar store makeover. Below are some items I purchased at the dollar store. The trick is to think outside the box and vision making something different out of the items they have available. These projects both cost 2 dollars each.

For the mirror I laid out the rocks to make sure they would fit and then glued them with my trusty E6000 glue around the outside edge. And in an instant you have a nature inspired frame.

For the frame I disassembled the wooden puzzle, which took me way too long- I have a few problems! Yes, there are directions, but they explain how to put it back together not how to take it apart! After I had the individual pieces of the puzzle I glued them together to make something a little more interesting. Then as before I glued them to the edge of the frame! It couldn't be easier.
Good luck with this craft! Next week we will have two more very easy dollar store projects.

Birds, birds, everywhere

I have noticed birds every where I go these days. It seems to be moving back into a design trend. In the photo below I have complied different items with the bird motif that are available at a variety of stores. The bedspread and bird print are available at Target. West Elm has the bird pillow, canisters, an bird sculpture. And, the over the door hook is available at the Container Store.

If you want a fast update to any room in your house just add in one or two new accessories. This is an easy way to keep up with the trends without having to change a major element.

From time to time we need a refresher in our home, and with winter coming what better way to remember sunny weather than with the birds from the summer.

To enlarge photo simply click on it.

Don't forget to come back on Friday. I am still finalizing my craft, but it will be something you can get done over the weekend. If you know anyone who would be interested in this blog please be sure to give them the link. And as always if you would like design help in your own home, I am available. For more information please visit my website.

Make a tray in a snap

Supplies for this week are a frame, cabinet handles, glue, and that left over wrapping paper. It is best if your frame has a flat surface for the handles.

First you will either want to remove the easel off the back, or tape it down. It is very easy to just bend it back and forth until it breaks.

Next you will cut your wrapping paper to fit into the frame. You can also use a photo, or a piece of mirror if you prefer.

Assemble the frame back together and prepare to glue on the handles. I like this particular glue, seen in the photo below, but gorilla glue is also fantastic. Allow the handles to dry completely.

And presto… you have a tray. Really this can take as little as 10 to 15 mins.

I hope this will be something easy and fun for you to try! Have a great weekend!

Smart trays

Trays are a great way to accessories and help contain your everyday items. In the photo below, I have chosen a rectangular plate that resembles a tray. This is placed at the front door on an entry table. It is there to "catch" the everyday things that are typically just dump wherever there is an empty spot. The best benefit to this is you always know where your keys are!

Below is one of my favorite uses for a tray. It is in the family room to make all these items look neat. The plant is added for aesthetics, but it does make it tidy. Not only do you always have the remote handy, but if you want to clear off the coffee table to view the television, with nothing in the way, you can pick it all up at once.

Lastly, again I have chosen a plate that resembles a tray. This one helps to keep tea drinkers organized. There is everything you need for a great cup of tea. Another bonus is if you have company, all you have to do is bring it to the table.

I hope you can find a way to incorporate one of these ideas into your home. Be sure to return to the blog on Friday, so you can see how to make your own tray from a picture frame!

Fun with iron-on trransfers

I am going to give you a very easy project you can do this weekend! I have gotten iron-on transfer paper and used it to decorate some items. For me I selected pillow cases and a linen napkin. All you need for this project is an iron, transfer paper, something to iron onto, and a computer for your designs.

Use your computer to make your desired image. If you want more involved graphics try the website etsy if you search for digital graphic images they have some fantastic options from as little as $1.00. Now VERY carefully read the directions on the transfer paper you selected. Some tell you to print in reverse some have you peel the image, etc. so, just don't skip the direction part!

As you can see from the below picture I have created some fun pillow cases. You can do initials, your name, or whatever else you desire. Remember you can print in landscape or portrait.

The below napkin just makes your dining table a little more special.

Hope this is something you will consider taking on! Have a fantastic weekend. And remember I would really appreciate it if you would share my projects with your friends on facebook or through email. I am also always available to answer questions. And, don't forget about my design services, for further information on that please visit my website.

Get the most from your bedside table!

When "styling" your bedside table, think about the purposes it needs to serve. Do you often take water to bed, or read at night? Do you use lotion, or jot down notes? All these things can be within reach and can still look organized and interesting. In the photos below I have addressed many of these and other issues. Have a look and give a try in your bedroom! Remember please feel free to email me, or leave a comment and I will get back to you! As always if you are interested in the services I provide please visit my website. If you are having trouble viewing the photo, just click to enlarge.

Can you really do any decorating for 5 dollars?

Yes! with a roll of wrapping paper. You only need some wrapping paper, scissors, tape, and maybe some spray adhesive depending on the project. In these photos I have tried to give some ideas to use throughout the home. It can be as simple as wrapping books the old fashioned way- for this you don't even need adhesive. Lining the back of a bookcase gives you an opportunity to customize a basic piece and it also allows you to add some color to your room. The framed "artwork" can be as basic as the ones shown here or you can cut out more complex shapes. For example in a child's room you may want to cut out animal shapes from animal skin printed paper, or maybe the alphabet with different colored patterned paper. Lastly, in an office setting, you can take different sized food cans and just wrap the paper around for office supplies. I have also taken thewrapping paper and covered manila folders to make them a little more special. Please feel free to email me with any questions, or just leave a comment and I will be sure to answer. Thanks for stopping by today to have a look. Be sure to visit me on facebook and my website is available here. Have a fantastic Labor day.