A Closet Turned Craft Room Make Over!!!

I have to say this idea for a closet turned craft room make over was birthed right off the pages of Pinterest.  I never would have thought of converting a closet into a craft room or anything other than just a closet to be honest.


I have a sitting area in our master bedroom I have claimed as MY area.  I have a large comfy chair with beautiful pillows where I love to read and have my quiet time.  There is also a closet in this space.  When we moved into this house, I lost my craft room that I had in our other home.  So, I condensed and threw out stuff I wasn't using and put it all into this closet in MY area.  It worked fine, but was lacking some pizazz.  If you know me, then you know everything needs a little embellishing and spicing up.  So when I came across this idea of a closet/office on Pinterest I knew this was exactly what my closet needed!


Here is what I started with...

Here is everything that came out...YIKES!!!



Are you ready for the final product....(imagine a drum roll here please......)

Okay, so let me take you step by step into this transformation/make over.

1.  I painted the walls of the closet to match our bedroom since I was not going to put the closet doors back on.

2.  I gave the shelving and trim a new coat of white paint to freshen it up.

3.  I covered the back wall of the closet with 12x12 scrapbook paper I purchased at Hobby Lobby (LOVE) for $0.40 per sheet.  I put it up using spray adhesive so that I can take it down easily and put up something different later when I feel the need for another re-do. (this happens often when you are craft obsessed like me)

A better look at my "handmade" wallpaper and top of my cutie patootie desk...

4.  I purchased this adorable white desk from WalMart online and it fits perfectly into its new home.  I think the desk cost me about $40.

5.  My boring old Rubbermaid storage boxes were just that...BORING.  So I decided to cover them in fabric.  I cannot sew, so making a slip cover for my boxes was out of the question.  I simply measured the box, used a pillow case as my fabric and attached it to the box with spray adhesive.  I used the flat sheet part of the sheet set to make a pillow for my big comfy chair in the corner and a table topper for the small lamp table beside the chair. Using this fabric all over the room really tied it all together and made it cohesive.  I got the sheet set (brown/ivory zebra print...yeah baby) at Stein Mart for $25.  Think of using sheets when doing a project, it is much less expensive than fabric.

Here is a better look at my not so boring boxes...(and the adorable aqua sewing machine that once belonged to my Nana)

6.  IKEA is my friend.  You can find the coolest and cheapest storage items there.  I purchased white storage boxes in all shapes and sizes and used my computer to label them ( I do not have a label maker but must put that on my Christmas list) so that I would know what junk I was hiding inside so I would not have to always open the lid.  I also purchased small glass jars to contain all the little things there too.

7.  I used a white wire silverware caddy I had once used for a party to contain some brushes, art tools, and stuff like that.  It makes it organized, all in one place, and easy to see.

8.  I used a few glass canisters to hold left over ribbon pieces, rubber stamps, fancy scissors, and other items.  I also used some open flat baskets to organize and contain my paper.

9.  I painted Abby's old crayon caddy white and now use it to store all my spray paints.

10.  On the right side of the closet I hung my seasonal wreaths.  This helps the wreaths stay in good shape and also gives me an easy, out of sight place to store them as well.

11.  Spools of ribbon is something I always have lots of.  Finding the perfect organizational piece for my growing collection was a challenge.  I resorted to hanging a wood dowel from two cup hooks I inserted at the top of the closet.  This way I can see what I have and cut the desired amount of each spool without having to remove them all.  I have one additional spool still left to hang!



Well that is my closet turned craft room make over.  It was LOTS of work, but I am so happy with the final product.  I am looking forward to spending lots of creative time here doing my craft thang!    Think about an unused (sort of) closet in your home and think of what you could turn it into!  No closet in my house will ever be safe again. Have fun!

Once Again a Make over for my "BOO" Jars...Valentine Candy Jars!

I made these super cute jars to use with my Halloween decorating this past year.  I got the idea from Pinterest and have to say it is one of my all time favorite Pinterest re-do's!  Once you make the jars, you simply change out the "toppers" for each Holiday or special occasion.  Here are the many different faces of my "BOO" jars so far...

These were the original "BOO" jars I made

These were my "JOY" jars for Christmas...

Now these are my "XOX" jars for Valentine's Day...

So fun right???  I always receive lots of compliments on my jars (even though I am sure to tell everyone they were a copied project).  Making the "toppers" is easy.  Here are the basic supplies you will need:

1.  Ribbon themed for the holiday you are decorating for.

2.  Unfinished wood letters. 

3.  Acrylic Paint for your letters.  You can also cover with glitter to make them extra Fabulous!!!  I used pink on my "XOX" letters.

4. Hot glue gun.


I always measure out my ribbon to make it long enough to go around the finial on the top of my jar so that I can simply slide it over the top and easily slide it off when I am ready to move onto the next Holiday.

I glue each side of the ribbon evenly spaced to the top of my letter.  I always finish with a bow!  For Valentines Day I added a small puffed heart to the center knot of my bow for a little extra something. Use your imagination and be creative!

I will  be using my jars again for St. Patricks Day (even though I am not very Irish).  I think I will find some shamrocks to hang from the jars since I just can't think of a three letter word for this Holiday, some bright green glittery ribbon mixed with some gold, and Ta Da!  St. Patrick's Day "BOO" jars!

Happy Jar Making!!



Mini Personalized Canvas with Valentine Flair!

I love using artist canvas to be creative with!  This is a simple project (I promise) that you can do for any Holiday or just for everyday decorating too.

I used this on my mantle this year and it added that extra something if you know what I mean.  It was simple and costs me under $5.00 to make.  You can use any color theme you choose.  I went with a black/white/red color combo since it was the theme of my Valentine's mantle for this year.  Yes, I do change things up each year for two reasons.  One, I tend to get bored with the same old thing.  And two, because I usually can't remember exactly what I did the year before.  Just keeping it real.


So here are the materials you will need for this project:

1.  5x7 sized unfinished canvas.  Use a 40% off coupon at JoAnns or Michales and pay under $4.00.

2.  Acrylic paint colors.  You will need three colors.

3.  Glitter. I used red and some iridescent white I had left over from another project.

4.  Spray Sealer.  This is optional, but if you do not want your glitter to "shed" using this saves the mess.  You can purchase this in a spray can at craft stores or WalMart for a few dollars.

5.  Your choice of letter.  If you do not have a hand at drawing, cheat like me and use the computer.  I use Microsoft Word and choose a font I like, blow it up to about a 400 sized text.  Then I print and simply cut out the letter. 

6.  Paint brush, circle sponge blotter, and a pencil.


Here is another canvas I made during the fall a few years back to give you another color idea...

The How To is Easy..

1.  Paint you canvas it's back ground color and let dry.

2.  Polka dot your canvas and let that dry.

3.  Trace your letter using a pencil.

4.  Fill in your pencil lines with paint.  If you are using glitter, use a paint in the same color.  This way your glittered area appears all filled.  Glitter alone does not have the best coverage.

5.  Glitter right over your wet paint.  This saves from having to use glue.

6.  If you want to glitter your polka dots using another color wait for the letter to dry for a while.  When you glitter your dots be sure not to blow off the glitter in the direction of your letter so not to mix colors.

7.  Set up on a cute stand and Ta-Da!!!!


Here is how it looks on my Valentine mantle this year...

P.S.  Sorry for the poor picture quality, I was using my phone in the middle of the very sunny day.

Enjoy your project!!!   xoxoxoxox

My $6.00 Valentine Wreath SPICE UP!!!!!!!!!

I am still enjoying all these Valentine themed posts!  I hope I am encouraging you to decorate for the "Day of Love" this year or to step up your decorating a bit.

I purchased this simple Valentine heart wreath at JoAnn's last year for around $6.00.  I have also seen them out again this year at Wal-Mart, Big Lots, and Michaels.  It is red and shinny but still sort of plain.  If you know me, and some of you do too well, then you know that the word "plain" is not something I have in my decorating vocabulary.  If it is "plain" then it needs some extra TLC, some extra something to make it more...well I guess make it more like me!

So this is what I did to my very plain red heart wreath...

Not so plain anymore huh???

Okay, now here is what I did so if you want to change your "plain" wreath into a FANTASTIC wreath you'll know how!

Supplies:

1.  Shinny Heart Wreath

2.  2"-3" ribbon of your choice

3.  Unfinished wood letter.  You can find these at JoAnn's, Michaels, and Wal-Mart.  Mine is actually made of metal, but wood will work just fine for this project too!

4.  Acrylic paint in your choice of color. You will be using this to paint your initial.

5.  Eye hook.  You can find these at Wal-Mart or any craft store in a package for under $1.00

6.  Paint brush and circle sponge.  These items can be found at Wal-Mart or craft stores too.

Now this is how I put it all together:

1.  I painted my letter with two coats of white paint.  After it was dry I used  black paint and my circle sponge to make my "C" polka dotted.

2.  Once your letter is dry attach your eye hook to the top of your letter by pushing it down and turning it in like a small screw.  Make sure to see which way you want your letter to hang before you add the eye hook.

3.  Using some ribbon (or fishing line if you don't want to see it) attach your letter to your wreath.  You can hang it from the center, attach to the left side like I did, or anywhere you think it will look best.

4.  Now make a bow and attach right above your letter.  You can use a bread twist tie to attach your pre-made bow.  Making the bow then attaching it is easier (at least to me) then making a bow while it is on the wreath or project you are making.

That's it!  Enjoy!!!

No Sew "XOXO" Felt Banner

This sweet Valentine heart banner is a super easy project you and your kids will enjoy too!  I made this last year and have enjoyed hanging it up again to use this year.  You can use any colors you like and make it as long or as short as you need to fit the space you are decorating.  Make one for your home, for a friend, or a for little teacher gift.


Here are the supplies:

1.  Felt heart shapes.  I purchased mine at Joann's in a package for a few dollars.  I purchased solid hearts, filigree hearts, and some stitched embellished hearts I found in the dollar bin.

2.  Valentine ribbon to match your project.  I purchased three different 1/4" ribbons to use for this project.  Feel free to use more or to stick with one ribbon if you choose. 

3.  One sheet of felt. I also purchased this at a craft store for $0.33 per sheet.  I used white so that it would stand out on my hearts.

3.  Hole punch.

4.  Tacky glue or craft glue of your choosing.

5.  Scissors.

Now for the How-To:

1.  Measure the area you want to hang the banner.  You don't need to be exact, just get a rough idea so that you know how many hearts to use.

2.  Lay your hearts out in the color pattern you want in about the same length of the measured area.

3.  I chose to put XOXO on some of my hearts.  I went and printed out some cute font "X" and "O" by choosing my font then blowing up the font size to about 200 (I think).  FYI:  You can change the font size by clicking on the box and adding in your own number.  Then just print it out and cut out each letter.

4.  Trace your X and O onto your felt sheet and cut out.

5. Once you have your hearts where you want them, glue on your X and O or whatever letters you are using.

6.  Punch a hole on each end of the hearts so that you can tie them all together with ribbons.

7.  Cut 3" pieces of ribbon and begin to tie the hearts together.  I just tied mine in a simple knot.  Make sure to cut 6" pieces of ribbon to use on each end the banner for hanging purposes.


That's it!  Pretty simple huh?  This is really a project anyone can do.  Let you kids or grandkids help and make a few memories in the process.

I hung my banner over some pink tulle and pink lights (purchased at the after Christmas sale last year for $2.00).  Very girly...very Valentine's Day!!  LOVE!!!

LOVE Canvas Project

This LOVE canvas was super easy to make and I have to say I love the way it turned out!  This is my attempt at a copy from an idea I saw on Pinterest and also in a little shop around town.  It took me about 30 min to make not including the dry time of the paint.  If you like this too here is what you will need to make one.

Supplies:

* Unfinished wood letters that spell LOVE or HUG or KISS or XOXO...whatever Valentine word you  like.  I purchased mine at JoAnn's for around $1.50 each.

* Canvas.  You will need to have your letters with you to make sure your canvas is just the right size. It will depend on the word you choose and the size of your letters.

* Acrylic paint.  You can find this at craft stores or Wal-Mart.  It cost under a dollar per bottle and will last long after you complete this project.  I used 6 different colors. I used a cream/ivory color, a white, three shades of pink, and red.

* Glitter.  I chose to glitter my "O" for some added bling.  I painted my "O" red first then glittered.  You could also you pink!

* Gorilla Glue or some other strong craft glue to ad hear your letters.

Now here is the "How To":

1.  Paint your canvas.  I used a creamy off white/ivory color as my base.

2.  Polka Dot (of course) the canvas after it dries.  I used a white for my dots.  I did not want them to be bold dots, so I used a color that was close to the one I used as my base.  It turned out subtle and that was exactly the look I was going for.

3.  Paint your letters and let them dry.  If you are glittering a letter sprinkle the glitter on while the paint is still wet.  This will work as the glue.

4.  Once everything is dry, glue your letters on turning your "O" diagonally.  You can do this with any second letter of a four letter Valentine word.

5. Place on a stand and TaDa!!!

I put my canvas in the kids bathroom and paired it with a little ribbon embellished lamp and other Valentine decorations.  I hope you  enjoy making this project.  I sure did!!  Happy "LOVE" Day!!!

Ridiculously Easy Valentine Tree

This is a super easy project for you Valentine's Day Decorating Beginners.  I used this last year on my mantle and am using it again this year.  I needed something on my mantle that was large and just could not find anything anywhere that would work.  So, putting on my "need to create something big and CHEAP" hat, I came up with this cute Valentine Tree that fit the spot on my mantle perfectly!

Here are the simple supplies you will need if you want to make one too:

1.  Simple Glass Vase.  I purchased mine at the Dollar $tore.

2.  Red Glass Marbles or Stones.  You will use these at the bottom of your vase.  You could also use Valentine Candy too.

3.  Birch Branches.  You can find these at craft stores or Wal-Mart.  They cost around $5.00 or so for a package.  You could also use some simple sticks from your yard or the park which would cost you $0.00.  I also purchased two other branches I found at the craft store that had small pink buds on them.  This added a little extra color.

4.  Simple Glittered Hearts.  I purchased mine at Michael's last year in a package for $2.99.  If you cannot find any simply pick up some glittered scrapbook paper or another Valentine design you like, and cut into hearts.  Then punch a small hole at the top of the heart and thread a small ribbon through.

Putting it All Together:

1.  Fill your vase with your glass stones or candy and arrange your branches by sticking them down into the bottom of the vase.

2.  Tie your glittered hearts onto the branches being sure to space them out evenly.

3.  Ta Da!!  A simple yet elegant Valentine piece for your home.

I get a lot of compliments on my little Valentine Branch Tree.  Super easy and inexpensive...cool huh?  If you make one for your home make sure to send me a photo.  I would love to see how your turns out!

xoxoxox