Dream plans for 2015

<p>Hello and welcome to my second favorite time of the year! The start of a new year is always so refreshing and exciting for me – I <strong>love</strong> decrapifying and organizing and dreaming up new plans for the house. </p> <p>And as much as I love the Christmas decor I absolutely LOVE taking it down and rediscovering our house. It’s a fresh new space! </p> <p>I always share plans I hope to accomplish for each year here on the blog, partly cause it’s fun to share but also because it kind of keeps me accountable. Early this year I <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/01/this-is-year.html">did just that</a> – and I’d say I accomplished about half of what I planned. But what I did accomplish was BIG (the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/family%20room%20reno">family room renovation</a>). </p> <p>I had planned to get the rest of our interior doors painted black and I only got two more done…<em>whomp whooomp</em>. But <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/black-and-white-and-awesome-all-over.html">they are beauties</a>!: </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz0EhDKjrLAV0ExAn88o0DYhkbACIno7bGSL3wuVugUz6G_Bv-kVit2MkvIb2kOa6ceQziUIlElLbMEaqmTbQ2USBZ59Hr3ObANbZPxeEoYjCWKQ7UIvnzAcMbnXfLv-CKxWbaFui744/s1600-h/IMG_0206%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="interior black doors" border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbQ7Ha74aYzFZcofAtYRBoRy1EwsIPrgRpFHKps2yq_X-1UPrIShsk0JDMroKxOLiicgJ3hFA-PbLJQlaOuiAlpK-u-LzTk88geSoLbSc7QrOPkbJijCjVyhkzVf8PY_eCS5o3cBFvvQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="interior black doors" width="290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePI3otMKWfSZsF-6joOGqf4few01gMeOIGHM6FZ0QXV2VUfxOBdxmZf-2OAkdl93Zz92dpHRxLaZTGKgh38Mc0L7qaPuzTjnqgrUtLLX0-za4Jgjf1LP63AuQK3Vkax53B7EtXi0QUsg/s1600-h/IMG_0200%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="black interior doors" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qapi_GrPF-0QlsOtcUoAGs3xuUM7g-DlyRvD9l7Kw5LGO98IoxSrKfI0BOUZT6Gj7i47XTNmV2qUMZh9xidq6T073gg-OF_5lTO7rxabQBdw782bnVcKK6xlQEDMczFkGWmHqAI-K68/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="black interior doors" width="290" /></a>  </p> <p>I still have six doors upstairs I’d like to paint but the main floor is done. LOVE how they look. </p> <p>I hoped to get a lot done in the mud room in 2014 and I did – I shared that progress with you <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/12/biggest-changes-in-2014.html">earlier this week</a>. </p> <p>There are two rooms I really wanted to change up this year and I basically did nothing in both of them. Ha! This is how our living room looked late last year: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6uaHw5_3nEyC8Reb-0AHO2j4UDidk5TUBsfAvSPmiPEkZelI0ka6hrNENo91un2Uf_7Myv3Wzvg4_dHSgIzRCbNhFSdTxVex4Y1wDF9XhUiAgY798TaGp4CcHKC1g8jXGSx-mPOei7E/s1600-h/IMG_5516%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="sisal rug" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9D6Jpt3UsBCfzXqmfh2vRYU_JdTKMPB4gGrHOGMJ04XxWS4WJlCzjW3MB4PkD9aN-w7qoEbZdmSzOhFqDaU2JoV8wyu5vLR8zqUoFf2XMCQOCurPL191JKgPYDJ6xIr8z4s68cWgvwbM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="sisal rug" width="497" /></a></p> <p>That rug was a total, epic fail (it literally fell apart with wear and tear from the dog), so we won’t be doing that again. </p> <p>This room is a wide open one with high ceilings but those are the things that stump me. I decided this would be the year that we’d get a new sofa in there because I hate the one we have. I guess hate is a strong word…strongly dislike. It’s been there forever and was one of those I-need-to-fill-this-space-so-I’ll-buy-something purchases years and years ago. You can’t clean it without shadows appearing all over the upholstery and it’s HUGE. It is comfy…it’s got that going for it. </p> <p>Well other stuff became priority so the new sofa didn’t happen. Which is fine because I’m still not sure how I want this room to look. It’s hard to work with because there’s only one usable wall and it’s like 20 feet tall. I laugh that these are my “problems.” Nice ones to have. </p> <p>I did go add the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/04/diy-craftsman-window-trim.html">craftsman trim</a> to the windows which I lurrrve: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hJdXvKjJaqA5m-rJ2m418oY7GkpPMX7mwTBYCnwqsa41s1BG6mKGRBBQTtmhamW4VS5MABDK8jESA72VVm5AMAD3-2NByAWwsCBipKB2sYgljkOcOvyK5oecfsf1VvfZJ-jUrNnICnw/s1600-h/IMG_8970%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="thick trim around windows" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6pAt62XdVjQruTHOQtfV-2uR4pQDfBF6R2d4gpMskRytsDZExT7y4I21tsw9hS45AJOeZDDGT55pHLnAIKliEKhyphenhyphenTwbDqRGzPN03vbs0Yh95sRvUfISdaF9b4OY31jlROUISUlDJd18/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="thick trim around windows" width="497" /></a></p> <p>Those drapes were moved <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/library">to the library</a> and I love them in their new spot! </p> <p>Another space I’ve been wanting to work on for YEARS is our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/playroom%2Floft">loft</a>: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQSOXSZC472n3BG_oHNfxn-UJ2xHpNQVliaR11NSM-pTQd4BTHF-OkUSczBHkuHAaCb8nu3DfLh6LMFXtOKrI8lwVJ6aAE4IUB_Fc2gnTEFxhklhFmSyPTU4hSVWhZcwUMqUxPvojqbw/s1600-h/craft-room-table%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY craft table" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wWZh0ErIPExvHuO92LijYOd-rOoyXeyPqazlIpD4O-w9Og1wdpzbl4tY_GCY200VeV4O34CheMukPu8yeTYdK9ryTwuwyQ5EKecBLJkGpCz5-Lw3c8HCXYVZB3Qcw20ieROckY2mcik/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY craft table" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It’s been many “rooms” over the years – before the kiddo it was a lounging space for us. Then it was a playroom. Now a craft room. Someday (hopefully no time soon) when we move we’ll probably make it into a bedroom so we can sell as a four bedroom. </p> <p>It’s a large room but I still don’t feel like we’re using the space well. I finally came up with a plan and I’m SO excited to get started!! Here’s the layout as I see it:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKochiSYeTLQYye4ELGXWxeKKV333UTKObzOKX1EQB2cA4EjilhATelS1zlLGGEHOUyqgMQGbjWqwiGy0p6f4aAE8CwRdpplTCzQrrP-SdCyI37r7E1HW4CWhqkM3RW21h6jXXtTccGs/s1600-h/IMG_0158%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="floor plan program for ipad" border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbpH0h4Oeom7646-HEQrr60uSq_s4UU9JLbBaFFk5Qszu5N6vuczHcTSKK3PbyrAPijqXjeTp1VZMX8zj3XM3yQbdM19lUE0QcyOIvb3MYQIMb4udiuFcUZCGOOX7UTb6XZmpQ7IlIkY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="floor plan program for ipad" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Disregard the colors – it will not have a purple rug and pink pillows. ;) </p> <p>I use an app for the Ipad called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/livingroom-for-ipad-floor/id360858983?mt=8">Living Room</a> to create these by the way. I bought it years ago and have used it many times. I planned the both the basement and family room renovations with this app – it’s awesome: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNkreXemT27vpnGHrE-tl6QiXsMDToJ25Sjoad6CC_m2eQlHnXogAjnu7W_JOGBIEbMcPDaNiUKUbSF1B1Uy_suSRuwwDXgtfNCHu4cM3tTYks-J6RdcqStXJyWvaRsK4BeIgXE-4Y1I/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202014-12-31%252520at%25252011.18.25%252520AM%25255B4%25255D.png"><img alt="floor plan app " border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnLXezYspyl6gsPa9V0rNx5vK7Lyq5jKhZIl6D-wX74miWZr-4cE25lOUKK03n4q17uk4t4wOTTAilYUvbO7Kr0zlUe7_m5mOsy7_XFkpgqqlHUHUdI-ARMcd_0z8a8lwer6do5nRDoU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="floor plan app " width="457" /></a></p> <p>Anyway – my plan is to add mega storage. Wonderful, glorious storage. Do you hear the singing?? I hope to add a line of drawers along the long wall to the left. And built ins on each side of the window seat have always been the plan, like this: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeiwcrB2HRACQqwxithUzaO9leKUuYRjfWKvv9KPZXopLg7sQY9CYre93rFHRf2nLLzswDLAuezhNlked9iwtcYpemvTfUF8iq0TaBBgrKOvsSyYXlrFU9tAp-4tKCNK4UEt7jPGvvjg/s1600-h/image%25255B42%25255D%25255B5%25255D.png"><img alt="built ins and window seat " border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhTEqb9i97qeOWNT8URJ2yBaic8i8z4VLMD6AizcsIyRFRRRV243KP7HUI_wOZUja5TufBlPTzwt_sSZqsjA4pXBGb36fdxg0U7oas4qqDE30q8bI8r0OqSOd8spDQYZ5NYjjhqujtDA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="built ins and window seat " width="500" /></a></p> <p>Because the line of lower cabinets will run along the one wall I’ll have to figure out how to butt them up to the built ins around the window on the left side: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKochiSYeTLQYye4ELGXWxeKKV333UTKObzOKX1EQB2cA4EjilhATelS1zlLGGEHOUyqgMQGbjWqwiGy0p6f4aAE8CwRdpplTCzQrrP-SdCyI37r7E1HW4CWhqkM3RW21h6jXXtTccGs/s1600-h/IMG_0158%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="floor plan app" border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbpH0h4Oeom7646-HEQrr60uSq_s4UU9JLbBaFFk5Qszu5N6vuczHcTSKK3PbyrAPijqXjeTp1VZMX8zj3XM3yQbdM19lUE0QcyOIvb3MYQIMb4udiuFcUZCGOOX7UTb6XZmpQ7IlIkY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="floor plan app" width="500" /></a></p> <p>This photo shows how I could make it work: </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0bAkt4fsKI5ChgCNeBEyNHJP3tzE1G6PznuZ0iT1T77OKWZGJfejl90qOmQHyKMZ4J6m_048KYPis228bwiyH1S7C6NPdCznRN_QpmwN2nfg0Kn2Cl-o5CpE7pGg2cO4PeKsWsXiwBo/s1600-h/ac6a91d99f969bd9fc6036b84ba60112%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="built ins around window" border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggO2ZIrRA0wwRKtiLnctKnOWKjLOJH0dkeYHNW8zvQdEZm5AwiN1BvJx8dJiY27rBPEd4l7flQBhZA4gOjDjP2OCrimXphybk-nR4lI8UUW3VtgyRXJYa62PiZu4vth2-0zRwvysRzvFU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="built ins around window" width="500" /></a> (<a href="http://www.houzz.com">source</a>)</p> <p>I want build a table out into the middle of the room from the line of cabinets so we have a big spot to sit and craft, wrap presents, draw and color, whatever. </p> <p>Something like this:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7L0bAsF2041hQXNcqInDRi-PCbpN0XxCmjlnexxWDeJHYv1czYP3fWzok247bYixCn5rUIWZHvqTD4rgWDXXjustL-gzd_-r1d7nbMaYTGA23g_NWsAateQCJgUW3_I-10eiUdAGGuAY/s1600-h/homeoffice-1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craft room table" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizABtPOwqP7yGolUsaGeaaEonq3vFQMVWdj3wQU71PVk5CcEuYhxmBmDa_rNjyCAVrQzFamdZUGgLGydF-ipEhNV8w5bJKqKhLKoCWr3LCz9w8RyzfXoagoG053FI41pv4fsCdx9DSVo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="craft room table" width="500" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.pinklittlenotebook.com/part-3-home-office-reveal/" title="http://www.pinklittlenotebook.com/part-3-home-office-reveal/">(source)</a></p> <p>Although I want mine to have storage under the end of the table. </p> <p>We currently use my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-craft-table.html">DIY craft table</a> but I think I’d like something shorter at table height. I think it’s just more comfortable to sit down at that level. </p> <p>I’m really excited about how functional this room could be! We will keep a TV up there so we’ll still have a spot to sit and lounge as well. </p> <p>This is one of those rooms we really don’t need – but we do end up spending a decent amount of time in there. I just hate that it’s not as functional and pretty as it could be. Hopefully I’ll fix that this year. ;) First up though – we want to put hardwoods down in the room. The carpet is truly gross but we’ll have to save up for that and I won’t start up anything much else till we get those done. </p> <p>The final project I had hoped to start/finish this year was the kitchen…and I’ve barely touched it! This redo will be one of my biggest yet. Or the biggest. I’ve had a good idea of what I want to do for years now but I’m glad I waited to tackle it because now I’m feeling really good about the direction. I’ll share that plan soon too – it needs it’s own post! </p> <p>Of course not all of this will get done this year. I try to do as much as I can myself and I tend to take my time. ;) Plus finances will determine how much I can get done too – but I’m SO excited to tackle both of these spaces and finish up some others as well!</p> <p>Do you have any fun plans in your house for 2015? It’s such a fun time of the year to dream of what’s to come! </p> <p>Hope you have a wonderful and safe New Year’s Eve and a great start to 2015!! Thanks for joining me for 2014 – I am truly grateful!! </p>

Dream plans for 2015

Hello and welcome to my second favorite time of the year! The start of a new year is always so refreshing and exciting for me – I love decr...

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How to line drapes (with what you have)

<p>Hello to you all! I have a fun little project for you today – the afters aren’t anything earth-shattering, but it’s one of those to-do items I’ve had on the list (in my head) forever. And I did it without spending any money! </p> <p>I mentioned earlier this week that I’m going room by room in the house decluttering (and cleaning). It’s taking me a long time. Eons. I don’t see an end in sight. Help. me. I have our bedroom and bathroom (and I’m ignoring our closet like usual) and then I’ll move on to the other floors. Working my way down sounded like a good idea when I was all gung ho about this idea weeks ago. </p> <p>Anyway, part of the reason it’s taking so long is because I’m taking care of little (<a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/08/an-ombre-wall-guest-room-progress.html">and huge</a>) projects along the way. I try to ignore them but then I start twitching and I can’t concentrate and the annoying voice in my head goes “Oh it won’t take long, just do it!”</p> <p>So I do. This is one of those. Our drapes in the loft/playroom/craft room have been hanging for a couple years, but they’ve <em>really</em> been pieces of fabric hanging, not drapes: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0I-jKSEaKIGs1n2QoTRogqO7nRq7ZJU-iYGtGpsvEX6i7qaaMbEndikcBOTQUVX5GFF-y2M8mCZ84-N7hgUOOGVSFGpvdVdsM5397cAZknVoFBaRbYgpOCaAJP8993hnbWT7z__GePqc/s1600-h/IMG_7527%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P. Kaufmann blue green fabric" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQch2zJf1tgxFlvMQzuV-5snsAKlyrJGsG3gOAv-bEt_sesU7QQQY9EKtZus_GeG7CA3Db9msafMF8sqcnO2X3y4r_LAPC0DOjUIHdvy6X6GVQ88idVz94ReMKu7F624tZ9W_SmvYXZ2U/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P. Kaufmann blue green fabric" width="400" /></a></p> <p>It’s what I do. ;) It’s not the first time I’ve done this. If you don’t mess with the drapes you can’t tell too much. It depends on how much light pours in the window. These are a linen-like fabric so very light and sheer and they were looking kind of awful not being lined. Did anyone ever notice it? I doubt it. But it’s something that was bugging me. </p> <p>So I went to my fabric stash for some lining. I went through all of it a few weeks ago and knew I had some bigger pieces. Well…I had two that were about a foot too short and nothing else that worked. And at this point I’m ready to <em>do this thing</em> so I’m racking my brain trying to think of what I could use. </p> <p>I was about to just save it for another day (a non no-spend month day) when a light bulb idea hit me. (LIGHT. BULB. Name that movie.) I knew we had an extra set of cream sheets for our king-sized bed that we haven’t used in a <em>long</em> time. We have two sets we rotate and this was a cheap extra set we never use. </p> <p>So I threw the flat sheet on the floor and realized if I cut it down the middle it would <strong>totally work</strong>. SCORE! I’ve seen this done a million times so it’s certainly nothing new, but it worked for me since I’m not spending on decor/DIY this month.</p> <p>I figured I’d give you a quick how-to-line-drapes tutorial – but keep in mind I’m not a GREAT sewer. (Seamstress?) I just do things they way they work for me and they’re not perfect. </p> <p>The big thing here – you need to lay your fabric with the print side down. If you’re doing a pillow, both printed sides need to face each other. When you’re done you’ll pull it back inside out so the good sides are out. This hides your seam: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66OUYwp6rcfhLX-zdaG3oifxL7vc_KxWBGkeMXRsHXKWpaIb9UlKUtBc_3UaxHsDI-T7Fn9awkHo2oX27ZN72RqGKErQdln5Wgc7EdBgc6AYSXr3h8R8w8LucxSJPC4wmfMtvj68yPpw/s1600-h/lining-drapes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to line drapes" border="0" height="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0mJkKnD3ymCVLI9SJz2jczGcI6vvsbSNPSQLgLFp70HMgGulENfe-KoDX6_2lFGrlqL5RzmHRWeVJePW0esMLemicvukNSalxjXfUvoVo5ms5Aj-J7LBqarnKZoxFJBaTUmQEi8Jhiw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="how to line drapes" width="450" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiOUJuJm4wqa-tjByxyi86Ib0zwVg_IWKsL8U1jlVzOl8FUW1eaP_pYDeX-NH_C-YtdG_9kM_CYXYq8VzgZl6x94hAjPKpzkkbu25XjOXH9ulVqdbg7zE-x5BsD7RbW_8Te15zNjjPkU/s1600-h/how-to-line-drapes3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to line drapes" border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHVjfHGO0uXJ48r6vfyJIerCdCFMOmSOj2pcxDPa1QYw5_e3DsXhqb2Wv73mBBsb-4ixv2MdXNOK2BhIGQq70MJHzb9UhVCzb9SVvS8rC0MlWThedjIAfWCwtqkKyGVBXkUT1Em0gq4E/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="how to line drapes" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I don’t pin the whole thing to start – just the top. I get that where I want it and pin it, then sew that part first: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2t1fBV_TM0Usngh2Rg_MLrOs6hCxZjqhP5CJUejBuQdQwEEo0nO_DNhIWSPxRLCG9tHUsc1k7s0cOByf7JoHKWnnpYJAyPYE0l1-Sk2sHEukvfxZTy9UmpuLHFJ-ojvM64-zs4wcX0E/s1600-h/how-to-line-drapes4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how-to-line-drapes4" border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmfL2Em-PIQ-58uwF1_ga8U9AR-97kc2QDAax2WLAoaCnUMaXsO_GNKsQ8M_rBm28GS8i0vPoq7Y4NRU1osstlpCcr3UdUWbUL8eC2ypxFYdhH0HYP37JUrBSTjYBIooBMqY67tMdvxI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="how-to-line-drapes4" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Speaking of sewing. Do not be afraid. This is your friend: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05fZHx3lAGPc_uhDf7JYB3PHVgGVrFcQa1CiPBfxRBmQIoKMwUJAkDWjvSJu_bM9DZEpsDuYjO8F-GHWr9dAEYOYx05JIueYuNjeu5iacTBqLstZCIw3_U5VlTJPDlDERQl-v3HxW8Ow/s1600-h/brother-sewing-machine%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="brother sewing machine" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUXBL_ASP2l2D4bp_wMEzeN2e2YP67jpOi803sRvOBluht4xwOes_ENcH8BWbLHuZrOnIKqfnVDJmz6iDqzyedag3s6ww1CdglOLZ2xr8mJZ0PyqUeBgwpqajgAk9cxZg3Jm9WWzhFa8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="brother sewing machine" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I promise, if I can sew, you can sew. I’m not good at sewing. Not a great sewer-of-straight-lines. But the thing is, no one will notice your lines aren’t straight. YOU won’t notice. (Unless you’re sewing something with vertical stripes and in that case good luck to you my friend.)</p> <p>Half the battle is learning how to get the machine threaded and it’s not hard. It shows you how to do it right on the machine and takes about a minute. </p> <p>Then you sew. Like a boss: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKdkMKLkKom9GJ7Zw96wckrGuS5LD5B_UghNvPiLrS4uFK7yt6io-p6gttQf96vyj5vY_k_JERXZe7oyMWwGt0-QDGwDbRWbE8rSfRxEhc9sDPU3RsBnPzMhUxQTKvmMiXHryHDd4qg0/s1600-h/how-to-sew%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to sew" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJarZBpLTLebYCDNJU7z3zy_JEqdTomTatPgdL5PSQz1FzDaBCafNircyyZXHboGEnlmCsjmlqh1GJh94HW-IxSGyrKwzU5LtUGT_SyGONbA1jc-1hJtqfsDoPPjP59Ng-4xCBSy7YEjg/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="how to sew" width="450" /></a></p> <p>I love hemming tape, and for years I used just that. But we have animals and I found I needed to throw stuff in the washer occasionally. The hemming tape will actually hold up for a wash or two, but after that not so much. And honestly? Sewing may even be faster than hemming with tape and an iron. Once you get going it’s super fast. </p> <p>You really want your lining to be slightly smaller than your fabric, so at the end you can iron the edges over so you can’t see the lining. Does that makes sense? You want the printed fabric to be seen from the side, not the lining. (I kind of help that along with the way I hang them too.) </p> <p>The ironing afterwards took longer than sewing each panel, no lie: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ND-LU_KsXcktO5iMTvvLdHs2RVhr88qPJ3RKCY99GREmixzjO5nuLS6U5Tjn3C3bbBdWj1qpR4MxjpCTqgAwJr0vUtY4ufwDs3fwdNj1evPHwlujBrirD97yp9FQLe5-izkq-Diy1Ug/s1600-h/how-to-line-drapes2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to line drapes" border="0" height="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKrNXn_TOdo2PwWl9MnPBRCLLiWZIYA3XY6k_52YwnsZJ5cR7he3AG2z_J_JSDtDPg_l6Lh9S7enxegIyCleL4LIPM2QCFyFBEn4QiwJxJ5hF52Sq4p3PeeCUQCnj0fOJon7zumgBJgY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="how to line drapes" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Here’s an idea of the different the lining makes. It makes them less see through, yes (you can get black out lining from the fabric store) but it also makes them fuller and they hang prettier: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge10cL5TTg3AsfcdAnxFcd7t1ITK7hihGo8VcysBCtSaHBG_W4IOzDoV5nbqVie0LtO-LebGONGgynWV2sHZo4ZWQrIifOWjvJC_d9cS2iZuhnxP27vnAyvdz-knbp26bG482ZcMx8hiE/s1600-h/lined-and-non-lined-drapes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="difference between lined and non-lined drapes" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIpm71_O8SZ41KWUt2FRTwVjlzdUVg_C-L5fZJk9F2K3UhcHDBZ2712P1iwa1frjjEMqROWgej83MIFifKebc6Xu5oMnKsIx-S889h3C0M4ZDN107d3OZvczI0rfVQlwA7XaqkkkjoyA/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="difference between lined and non-lined drapes" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Wimpy on the right, lined on the left. </p> <p>Since I was at it, I took care of another quick little project. You can see in the pic above that the bamboo shades were hanging inside the window. I’m obsessed with getting as much natural light in this house as I can so I moved them up. </p> <p>They now hang on the wall above the window: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJYNVks2JDTR_2q5o4ayEa2yUU_3vVkaeYGoYHGU_suKieYM05Jx0gra9Ms3RX0K7cMCMRDiuPl6JyRae4kUNX_rPLsl9VKQoUrjjDpiq0JGRxv_qV4ztE2oNxGokZXVPHXQ2kSldkK0/s1600-h/hanging-roman-shades%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="hanging roman shades above window" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUxzvxzcrhl4YpitatDUlo9-HYy6fUQpRJ0yFf8qqcJ4AKtO02vHiYG1SfaFqGv_d7CoSgcp8bocJ2zfyYku0LTFUAsuKVZs64Kpo3FYjzjUgGYeG6fZySC0u7Ve8TX0LQBVVJLu5ruk/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="hanging roman shades above window" width="450" /></a></p> <p>It’s a little thing but it all looks so much better to me!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaOymA9kLteHWc4VNAgegnF6y5b4JbU4qceWS0UaiZa5P2FrVPRvWDzZFWP0x9PBn1uJQOQpLNAZdFbPZKiI047eW9HwWJTTstD4TTIbuM-gmII5qJ-w0dELeiIjrbQ-4wWxqnMR4VdI/s1600-h/lining-drapes-with-sheets%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="lining drapes with sheets" border="0" height="751" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vR1_RBBJn2ob9Fif5sNOwdmefGSddAp085upIVYQCHHX6N307etx6wgzi0sRMJD2awc1lWr3IJuBfWuGk_1j404j0mA6NYVr1SOqBeU2XzlY60qcEzp3jSvbVcSEkGJpudF3W6iwblc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="lining drapes with sheets" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I use the little clips to hang my drapes but hate seeing them, so I use <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/11/tricky-tricky-window-treatments.html">this trick</a> to hide them from view. It gives your drapes the look of pleated ones (that are way over my head).</p> <p>This room is way in between decor-wise, but at least for now it’s decrapified and clean. And the window looks nice. :) </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9khwSOiGE2eJQ47NnAbPoTc-fDJ7L53GmCwv3vxiTuBkggAD5CrnuX-wZGy9LrC_A8ePs1Xo-lAISJ0AZcym3PA4OpUNEyukyvzKS5tKMURlto311p-ROjyOcwovfBvbY4yKm3r5d7Q/s1600-h/how-to-line-drapes%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="line drapes with sheets" border="0" height="751" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJJMMW1yQk24FnZgWZA-QUH5thRja9p62idZZSi0sugbjOWMTVfC-dHSAFg4U9og_rWfhVH2zKdz_bVAP79ywYLdEu4FBTujcC2tnKyKDMO3okqcT51rFz9_J-IPOdnO1LYx-fk4Oyp0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="line drapes with sheets" width="500" /></a></p> <p>The “create” is coming down next. I think I need a break from words on my walls. ;) </p> <p>So do you know how to sew? Have you ever used sheets to line drapes? I use sheets from Goodwill for my spray paint “tarps” occasionally – but I may need to start looking for more to use as lining. After a good wash of course. :)         </p> <p>**You can see more about my DIY craft table <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-craft-table.html">here</a>. </p> <p>**The fabric is called Spring Vine Opal from P. Kaufmann.</p>

How to line drapes (with what you have)

Hello to you all! I have a fun little project for you today – the afters aren’t anything earth-shattering, but it’s one of those to-do items...

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My “new” craft room

<p>Hello there! How the heck are ya? I’ve gotten so little done this week because I’ve been focused on the little visitors I told you about earlier this week. I was SO very naive to think we just had a couple mice. Yes, there are more. No, I’m not ready to talk about it. ;) Maybe next week I’ll be able laugh about it. I may need a few Mickey jokes to get me there. </p> <p>So anyhoo, I did get one project finished up this week that got my mind off things. I am so excited about this space! I showed you my first craft space (in the unfinished basement) years ago <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-craft-room.html">here</a>. Then my plan was to downsize quite a bit and I made my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-craft-table.html">DIY craft table</a> for the basement. </p> <p>Well, the closer we got to finishing up the basement, the more we realized the space plan we had figured wasn’t going to work. I was trying to cram too much in there. So I did some switching around, and ended up with a brand new craft room in the process! </p> <p>We are so lucky to have so much space in this house – in some ways too much for what we need. I wish we had more, say, in the family room and kitchen, and less in spaces like our loft. As the Bub has gotten older we’ve struggled to find a good use for it. </p> <p>This was how it looked last time I showed it to you:</p> <p><img alt="" border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-kbTuKz8oe6UwGcvD7JVc3Kia7I8J69ERu36005ZCj98XyiGSEBSFwRP8Uvs0QaTal8gWgQbajeSH9BttB9to6fozlMtQGObXKjRksmcOHuslih7Tzu4gIErBLmyX6jG2jzNPF4eMRs/?imgmax=800" title="" width="450" /></p> <p>Check out those pinky walls! Ack!</p> <p>It used to be the Bub’s playroom, but things slowly but surely got moved down to the basement. We still had a few toys upstairs in this dresser, and the big coffee table was his spot to work on Legos. And now that the basement is done, most of the toys are down there (and it’s awesome!), so we didn’t really need an additional space the kiddo stuff. </p> <p>Soooo…we had too much in the basement, and not a real purpose for this room, so I thought, why not make it into my sewing/craft room? It’s light and bright -- perfect! </p> <p>I took the craft table apart and we brought it upstairs (all three pieces were BEASTS!): </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicySghJw6_X8-2IMdDmcLA8rgLep-wS8hWJ7W-_jnqvtPR-ehIBsG2uupVcA-dhj1smdsj8rNXlJmvXKMBiZzaUZobp8jdvHxr2QI9Z7lJgc9KsT0xlvf30wcev_Q_cAIApN_z1IIEG20/s1600-h/IMG_3562%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="DIY craft table" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyTLSbkDl4wPlNRj_ME6xqEeGujcr6hINMjyGtY7L4JsFrK-iBwLz-U8UlsVsUAYod5QBpJagms_XsDlb0TgYnANAJvrjoi_ghabJKD6dOkQjgYqDOPshN7Ag9pORS4VowUgdSclC7MM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY craft table" width="450" /></a></p> <p>We had an extra sofa up there that I gave away to a friend and that cleared up a ton of space. </p> <p>The table is AWESOME for storage – it holds a ton of stuff. I’m starting to move some of my fabric in there too, slowly but surely. The sewing machine will come up from the basement soon, but it’s in the storage room (where <em>THEY</em> have been hanging out), so I’m in there as little as possible lately. :/</p> <p>The top of the table is our old laminate island countertop and it’s GREAT for crafting – stuff just wipes right off!:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUk-aTGKdM5PZeuEHXmznpYzu7YlC8h9k7bWhAXffVVxW4LQdfRNZWViWdhjuuB6jrfSkSiTmcVlfKIWyDuhCPt-cazlHrSJJXvkFfWjUCzmQLQ6wvF4tPuTXtg7vaUI8c__tzEUrn9VM/s1600-h/IMG_3599%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY craft table" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnlyL2FzUj5xTfnLFmJdL9OGyIRi5xOtYcFJ49_6ENi3sJrgqQ8emKu60rbj0ROyQ5RmiRMpyho3Gw-W_1Mc4p5bo7xND1QQfN1HEechAZF5jlnMkDbA72LS55rDtXjkgNCLS5IuJI1A/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY craft table" width="320" /></a></p> <p>The dresser that used to be filled with toys and games now holds a few more crafty things and my wrapping supplies:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQVPxd-wZuZ30JxEUMFL6ttD66QhsBLAWxybcNHOZ2-bgY5D6MXY8GPiQvE-Dp7FICpJ8-J-4fvz1Z9TRKtRgQaxuCKf1TPgklcSmYRF5Uqh-r0zx13I1veGeXw-dIFcLnAAz_Z8J_AI/s1600-h/IMG_3594%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wrapping paper drawer" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAoAuhbE7axAbkOe39UpgBsaJTrgR8n8QC-xmcysNelEW10tou8iZhZOuuAXFmQeR4TDLbEOZHkOB0OPij1qZJV96qSeAKfIMV-ThyphenhyphenIzE1J0DR6b8wLMoZlWB2SQ4VgKGJZXwFVH_fWo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="wrapping paper drawer" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I still need to organize everything better, but the IKEA Hemnes dresser (more about that <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/04/accidental-redo.html">here</a>) holds a TON of stuff. Love it!</p> <p>The wrapping paper just sits in a big glass jar:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKGzOz2iEyxRAAht6cYuwpUUW0uHl6tCPsgRKaFHxE4eBZlv4kNDVuHOgdKG9h5TBpxBfYYrYb8D0qY5cGrnUxfUJVuKMpA_IfnO-lNSa7u-sp83JVBlCJgxlOZMCQ01eN6knPY-4c04/s1600-h/IMG_3595%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="wrapping paper storage" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2y8xfJyRUCBjAAihchtQ4RAEISXnr0SDphWKgIMEUVmQhWCGDUgm-OPwxM7u3RtvWDFMvmKV-UwXs_qGbaboEGkfZGayKx0C9fgSbKZuEP9rNcrillgcDtwRaKGu_Ivsb-9Z8mEwEBQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="wrapping paper storage" width="331" /></a></p> <p>My leftover wallpaper that I use for crafty stuff is rolled up in there too. </p> <p>I was so thrilled to finally have everything set up, I worked on a little crafty somethin’ for the room:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHA7tVI56U6Wdklb8YdBVaByzYWm9dm2JKQoRWkLxX9DCggwsENxWeAQcItziDJIeoOp96PgOb0UjkuZEuQu3HKvI-ViR_-AFbh48ZFKAxuhjdlsOFNwasZQS5vsx0CFUrBSbLBaXAaq4/s1600-h/photo3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="craft letters scrapbook paper" border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvFD9HYD9tHFr2ocU9wHFKCy6A5CkDj_nhd6TonadPbtOxxOTvzt4X4nAsk0qytyug1eTs6exOFX3EWmLuWCtXiftMRZeQ-Kj95BCpnJaOdciVto6c7fh5X1Zj1TuAF5dlkQKjmywIZQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="craft letters scrapbook paper" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I got the letters at Joann’s months ago (when this process started…I take awhile), and I mixed it up by getting different fonts/types. These were each $3 or $4, but I got them on sale – it seems like they are half off all the time. </p> <p>I grabbed some cute blue and green scrapbook paper to cover the letters – you just spray the paper and letter with spray adhesive, then press it on:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKCQjDabkNknWlK3VEcAtuyYzkAAWMWY_4PQrwLQBhR0Q7m1lhiUZA38oq_DpkORJkxwceOPkpISQ1q9pmUY2Eu3F8sWP1yl8oVv7MycAcyZ1HXnUeqx9fshq2RKjPe0NA3qMbMzGCoQ/s1600-h/photo%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craft letters scrapbook paper" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6B2BqZTeRe0yy0odh96nPfiCkYZ4VW_7vpfvOOETxGt3ZiazGTR6ZlHFxbgshs3L0uSxWAiwUzvw7uuvP7Prc5cBfcpgSVO49PFEaw-AD1kt4o5a7kDxTnOlluG2a_WYxqjWhZuwP9qo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="craft letters scrapbook paper" width="360" /></a></p> <p>Then use an X-acto knife to cut the paper off around the edges:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1qOz16x0fzXgYS2jR9nwsmRtDDIii5lLhG-TZ9ocKsWRMNYvtKQX7Sw7vtZWeMTXr-IJMkvuy39NIJhbbyPEvkGQ0rJUZrhPZ_cV1mhgGTTZkiwZQd4Btz4eHpGXf-Y_bmbw21JEdk4/s1600-h/photo2%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craft letters scrapbook paper" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvQAIZBoPc-sUjX3N1w2nUB7pcbOp9Uxiryn11HRyhGwmU6iQr4CqnAPp9BGN86l91Nu5P9q_WC0d9KBmsda088cMuieCnOhBNL3WYElUXYLuEVCD6ZidW3FoDLQDpn2u_fGNcqTsJ30/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="craft letters scrapbook paper" width="360" /></a></p> <p>Afterwards you may have some rough edges – I just sand them down with a sanding block:</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkbdFSFnTTkHXfVol5kz1zGLAo_Jl2q322q3Ic-ClE0xTac8nXxG2Ltrvs-yBRE2X9WlGBX2meUbUb4jrpDpEGJ_gXfxThSswWx6royrJrpAh_U3T-QBUigZJSNBDKw7F5sLjf17nlwY/s1600-h/photo4%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craft letters scrapbook paper" border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AMbURXYF1aQ_6De7ldI-zq3tgi_-cr4DP8NYZWMYarrVnzEyYu3d0tV3FZfm9GbQTR8sfFuj2UlwT1Z-SMyZqsp9LKYdHHgNjl-snjFo-keZ-yOKhWJiccEzyigwRAGop1naxsce7ps/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="craft letters scrapbook paper" width="280" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Hc2sOmWsow_-uIrpvbqG5Tyo8MikTJ0XApItYmdyDAaedZsbCuJlTZEMF02uXHR9yA9KY8DyFI7XhPBvAnc5uo7Y49_DOxrFD-YcnrjN4ODLQ2KA7r34mqi73x0stPG6y61tqlKjIRs/s1600-h/photo5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craft letters scrapbook paper" border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-AUVkGZG1tv6e6jYQKe99-BYXWqO38nqyaPVG4ZfjbZCUqrEBn_YLbzyXLyPzx66MZu78-5vS1K3Qgqm21okDfavsAahoxOmUT-QSCis8SV0W5KEK5WptEk_NVZ6Je5Zk7arGn3G_h0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="craft letters scrapbook paper" width="280" /></a>    </p> <p>I wait till after the paper is on to paint the sides of the letters (if needed), because if I mess up or tear the paper I can just fill it in with the paint color. </p> <p>I hung them up over the window (where the “Play” letters used to be):</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76HqauDNzpWZxJIEjD6Hdcgnnfrublf305MVaPTeSbrNnlv6pFw5tGQq1FAWqX-e-6MogZMil2N64eH05xr5Dh5Ta9jc7YP15HIkm1_CdKqDmAGipbxhXU4RUuAhbm8rJIYZRxLROzFk/s1600-h/IMG_3581%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craft letters scrapbook paper" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoda5rRXunqiqSTqUdu2lzWqC5lk269gtE_KyPPERUdthg45No5gR9G1Xm0Nl8zCLkC2I9WPPgdICmZIm209SqXP5qyP1vOsz99BPukNYcvCKfU1sjGmEcGwf0mBDK2EUGTtDNADllPNE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="craft letters scrapbook paper" width="450" /></a></p> <p>I went back and forth on which way that “A” should go – I still don’t know if that’s the right way, but I like it. ;) The other direction looked wonky. </p> <p>I have BIG plans for that window wall, as I’ve mentioned before:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41-7Az9lFuC7u5Pflx2OhRtnhtu-0QqTabYK_am8eFOEHMR5Re1PI1gePcdPVzkWxQ7Fn75Ghdvfrlyrc4Qqlw36irRvvpqLiln3FdNbxQM4EsDJZmDyRD9t-YneC38_E_vbUx1f0brc/s1600-h/IMG_3601%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craft letters scrapbook paper" border="0" height="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3ZwvoCSpsS-QhfvN0uC61VfPJO47ufFV5zLocP8HozmPX2VyRvs8MIB_S5OoUi09dqy3tNSRf75BtU2J4zTlkJNq5T-YLW9khLQ1OImXRyvUyqQDH4_u0DA-iL63LLTILGvE1S5Bv-0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="craft letters scrapbook paper" width="450" /></a></p> <p>A little something like this would be perfect,  yes?:  </p> <p><img alt="built ins around window" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/1266706114879765_of3BdmGF_c.jpg" title="built ins around window" /></p> <p align="center">(<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/bedroom/start=16">source</a>)</p> <p>My plan is to make it similar to the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/10/library-bookcases-done-boom.html">built ins downstairs</a>, but this one WILL have a window seat. It’s begging for it! :) </p> <p>Oh my goodness, I can’t wait! It’s going to be a little more difficult this time since the space on either side of the window isn’t equal. I think I have a plan of action now though. </p> <p>But until then, it’s still an awesome, bright space with tons of storage – perfect for crafting!:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYHBdNHAk7tulW1BKp23vXkVbpfJnDkT6veLFJJFFzq584zMhusyGt_hklVF68k0ygdPojuu6RM4qrqR2IwdcCORL7JjCMNl0Xwt5CqstZ5iJPuNTJPPV7g_78ChCbTKAPdrWrq9z3Ek/s1600-h/IMG_3616%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue green craft room" border="0" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXVSFWIXfdXEWav0544BvzRHL441XjvzkSHdKqxIvLemCXWJy7uhwxauS9H5AjS8mjEfucRvAJPBySPgihLbYObbCERnf5kUR0nmFxtiGqNn2bcQfR5XFnITQAcOQZsjtFDNOnT-n108/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="blue green craft room" width="450" /></a></p> <p>I can’t wait to get started on holiday crafts up here! </p> <p>I love to see how this room has changed over the years! Here it is a few years ago:</p> <p><img alt="" border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuJAeDY68EHfpzBmrj2qYUrUngLRcgilG6ibok85g7rbGibc_OddjdUzG3yDLICOQ9Eydo3YVuu3lwiWxitbdYPg93lTdN6sAEwEe0zF7lg5yVHKkv_DLerbI09NihPccJXmrgDE1X8s/?imgmax=800" title="" width="450" /></p> <p>I can’t believe how much I crammed into that space!</p> <p>And after the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/07/pink-walls-begone.html">paint job</a>, moving the toys out and most of the furniture: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eEsjQ3D173RbGwzWPShVsivo7mLTG5FyNrTjb8jnb8c37rA7adm77r8smVkXb7t65wh2p9qOroM1n95ypphpgnoxGrM0JUeUmHTUanRpEUT8668BiPBsYZy7wDLItboEjWr0knQTh6o/s1600-h/IMG_3612%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue green craft room" border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeoD6RH8xdhZtvAzhPF4AnCKtlJC7NjoKtxS2ltCK2rsNkJ8LhoXoVRp6qnc6hntX5h_ok2_JCXGWx_VGUe0tQF0bs0mqFo5dgIVgmSDHNELVgfSOLP46q23Phmh9FauVxW7Ok_XtTFI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="blue green craft room" width="550" /></a></p> <p>And yes, I still plan on doing the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/04/gallery-wall-to-be.html">huge gallery wall</a> on that big space above the molding. It’s been on my list…for a couple years. ;)</p> <p>Do you have a spot where you sew/craft? (If you do sew/craft.) I’ve been lucky to always have an area in the house, but it’s funny how we usually end up at the kitchen table. I think now that we have this sunny spot set up we’ll use it much more than before!</p>

My “new” craft room

Hello there! How the heck are ya? I’ve gotten so little done this week because I’ve been focused on the little visitors I told you about ear...

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How to paint laminate.

I should have known better to attack this project. I have learned over the past year or so that <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">laminate is my nemesis</span>. He hate me. (Check my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2008/05/laminate-is-indestructible.html">first post </a>to understand.)<br /><br />I know how to paint stuff. I do. I even knew/know how to paint laminate. It just doesn't like me much, and from now on, I think we're gonna keep our distance. Hater.<br /><br />It started with the TV cabinet in the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/05/playroom-for-kids-that-works-for-adults.html">playroom/loft</a>:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSB4qDuDZ67PPvlzAglBNp_K0DpWwFuKB0MAYbczZ7Az9y1WTdG6_QKFBnhJZ-47feMJ6ijiTD3mfjwIslcoumu2IvcJIzTbzVK6urJHBggj_HVzCZLMiLh0SwsClhb9ukdO00MtI25PA/s1600-h/DSC09961.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344777322513516274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSB4qDuDZ67PPvlzAglBNp_K0DpWwFuKB0MAYbczZ7Az9y1WTdG6_QKFBnhJZ-47feMJ6ijiTD3mfjwIslcoumu2IvcJIzTbzVK6urJHBggj_HVzCZLMiLh0SwsClhb9ukdO00MtI25PA/s400/DSC09961.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>I kept looking for something new (like, Goodwill-new) for the space. It had to had storage like this one, it had to have the open shelving like this one, it had to be this size. And it had to be black. Hmmmmm...ummmkay. Why don't I just paint this one? I know, you are quicker than me...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyIESZ3gXTml_3Vg4Uoxe2la1SWX3G4AUMtg7ERyysUp16mfAvVYsbwiSfkbPX5KiaugJtpOx-c7FB_0AUoIQEaxQbUi1SlX25Z6ukHcQ5VrmkP4xER8z_PNJhz1QcvcznZsbSnu0n0DG/s1600-h/DSC00257.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344777125944486930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyIESZ3gXTml_3Vg4Uoxe2la1SWX3G4AUMtg7ERyysUp16mfAvVYsbwiSfkbPX5KiaugJtpOx-c7FB_0AUoIQEaxQbUi1SlX25Z6ukHcQ5VrmkP4xER8z_PNJhz1QcvcznZsbSnu0n0DG/s400/DSC00257.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>So I just painted it. It is laminate, through and through. I went to meet Paint Guy at Lowe's. (We're on a first-name basis. His name is Paint. Guy.) I asked him for the best, most fantastic primer he could ever think of for painting laminate. He said B.I.N. primer by Zinsser was the best one. AND it dries in 45 minutes!!<br /><br />I skipped out of the store, I was so excited! I could actually get this done in Sarah-time! That would be asfastaspossiblegetitdoneNOWIhatewaitingforpainttodry time.<br /><br />Well...I don't know what this stuff is but it is waaaay weird. It <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">destroyed</span> my rollers and foam brushes. Super weird. Like, they were melting off the handles weird.<br /><br />It did dry fast though...so I was OK. Over the next few days, I did three coats of black (even though I used tinted primer), a couple coats of poly, later added some cute red knobs from Hob Lob:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEgcAAs3tMHB4_RinBr5IU-JvAbxdjQHVzcqjcKdEsiLKr23ZSYeQ5J_3aS7LiDnDjFE8lW0XZfK8WZHTgWNe7nYNY2QXwflvoziQRmUn0T-8w-mhxgdYa4xZq7B6r_Uz4uQUO8YTNcb-/s1600-h/DSC00278.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344777127468932898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEgcAAs3tMHB4_RinBr5IU-JvAbxdjQHVzcqjcKdEsiLKr23ZSYeQ5J_3aS7LiDnDjFE8lW0XZfK8WZHTgWNe7nYNY2QXwflvoziQRmUn0T-8w-mhxgdYa4xZq7B6r_Uz4uQUO8YTNcb-/s400/DSC00278.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4KIAyQa3Lz1Ljn8m8JgFY8M7GZ5yalaxbIoJ3VNPUO_2G5i0zcthizUC1YZcIDAp2bUds38l0BHlHSOE_dpUi5XLIA0JTvQ8cMLdHjXW8c9DD12KVUtrenUnnbDsYnrHPAO3fHN7jDrw/s1600-h/DSC00273.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344777109929029330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4KIAyQa3Lz1Ljn8m8JgFY8M7GZ5yalaxbIoJ3VNPUO_2G5i0zcthizUC1YZcIDAp2bUds38l0BHlHSOE_dpUi5XLIA0JTvQ8cMLdHjXW8c9DD12KVUtrenUnnbDsYnrHPAO3fHN7jDrw/s400/DSC00273.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Put the TV and components back on and this started happening:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRKIPHoLhiY2bTXNIb8vThLQyuMSKFBW_2kBsPETOsbOOjmw4MFqNbDuVumQ2MGnR7-xkMQquL1zkClMEaoAKOSQFR-EQBZjTvr8rzq1Zd3BXN_pu4aLDFrNjme2goKH0kQhjdq3vLW0h/s1600-h/DSC00269.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344777117834890626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRKIPHoLhiY2bTXNIb8vThLQyuMSKFBW_2kBsPETOsbOOjmw4MFqNbDuVumQ2MGnR7-xkMQquL1zkClMEaoAKOSQFR-EQBZjTvr8rzq1Zd3BXN_pu4aLDFrNjme2goKH0kQhjdq3vLW0h/s400/DSC00269.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>That's a <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">huge</span> chip with the laminate showing through, covered by black Sharpie, in case you couldn't tell. (Most of the time, black or brown Sharpie is great to cover up scratches, by the way.)<br /><br />Then, it chipped under the TV. In like, three places. I could have cried. Really. Told you. Laminate is out to get me.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">BUT</span>...I spent $10 on primer, a few bucks on new rollers, and only a few hours of my time. Even if it looks good for another six months or so, in the end, I feel like it was worth it. I loooove how it turned out...a new black cabinet would have been at least $250.<br /><br />That's what I keep telling myself anyway. :)<br /><br />Before:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSB4qDuDZ67PPvlzAglBNp_K0DpWwFuKB0MAYbczZ7Az9y1WTdG6_QKFBnhJZ-47feMJ6ijiTD3mfjwIslcoumu2IvcJIzTbzVK6urJHBggj_HVzCZLMiLh0SwsClhb9ukdO00MtI25PA/s1600-h/DSC09961.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344777322513516274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSB4qDuDZ67PPvlzAglBNp_K0DpWwFuKB0MAYbczZ7Az9y1WTdG6_QKFBnhJZ-47feMJ6ijiTD3mfjwIslcoumu2IvcJIzTbzVK6urJHBggj_HVzCZLMiLh0SwsClhb9ukdO00MtI25PA/s400/DSC09961.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>After:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEgcAAs3tMHB4_RinBr5IU-JvAbxdjQHVzcqjcKdEsiLKr23ZSYeQ5J_3aS7LiDnDjFE8lW0XZfK8WZHTgWNe7nYNY2QXwflvoziQRmUn0T-8w-mhxgdYa4xZq7B6r_Uz4uQUO8YTNcb-/s1600-h/DSC00278.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344777127468932898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEgcAAs3tMHB4_RinBr5IU-JvAbxdjQHVzcqjcKdEsiLKr23ZSYeQ5J_3aS7LiDnDjFE8lW0XZfK8WZHTgWNe7nYNY2QXwflvoziQRmUn0T-8w-mhxgdYa4xZq7B6r_Uz4uQUO8YTNcb-/s400/DSC00278.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Worth it?<br /><br />P.S. Yes, I sanded it. No, not a really <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">really</span> good sanding. :)<br />Yes, I let it cure between coats (as long as directed). No, probably not as long as I <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">really</span> should have. (I know better!)<br />Yes, I was super anxious and tired of the electronic crap all over the room and probably put everything on too fast -- should have waited at least a <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">whole</span> day. NO. I didn't follow <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">my own advice</span>. (Have I mentioned how very little patience I have when it comes to painting lately??)<br /><br />Hangs head in shame...

How to paint laminate.

I should have known better to attack this project. I have learned over the past year or so that laminate is my nemesis . He hate me. (Check ...

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Using Ballard Designs as inspiration (part deux)

Here I go again! I tell you what, if you really look through the Ballard Designs catalog, you can find <em>so</em> many items you can make on your own, for a fraction of the price!<br /><div><div><div><div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340963724749025218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwECvPON2ghGbeDCLC36KMrAXZC1sxCo5V4qKgUq2WKlRGnL3GRyXw57_oyqB9sjTXwkNX9Y4Mka6mWW8cdOxVvrz-ugZY3p1CCnpfodykMYhHi8FfVfUh0-I0tvBnA63S9DCmmnSeDSSP/s400/ballard.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 368px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 368px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I saw this one months ago, and I've had everything for a loooong time to make it on my own. I mean, a LONG time. I kept hesitating because of my new found fear of mod podge. <div></div><div><br />I'm sceered. </div><div></div><div><br />It bubbles up EVERY time I use it. It is driving me batty. I bought a fun new tool to keep it from happening with this project, but in the end, I decided to just go with my trusty spray adhesive and it worked great! </div><div></div><div><br />This project is SOOOO easy and will take you about an hour to do. You'll need 12x12 paper -- I got this large book on sale awhile back for $9. But this would be even cheaper if you just bought the paper in singles:</div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340963732613014594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2znaCes8Sd0gqqI5AEvPds_hSdiJP_ctp1Oc5bp6VDbK-C5TgWeZZmgrmrMnLnfvPrxhv_Q18ZUKeTmjuOu1s_nfabIsflDH0kTHyUqaFiRUlCl1ORcRSdAMCabSKqzZ-5UQtIwG81wVR/s400/DSC00064.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> I had a ten foot MDF board cut down into one foot pieces at Lowe's:</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrQZnanNKdhE30D3xlyJbZgl3y2rFyKrdMXo6EO1oGuJtRaxpHvJIWFCZG0c01G0qP-d-r7z_mjUVAeU8JsLUiB7i3DR1LbS1Y-HLKJeD4spYyvAaYKqDOueZHbMATNRzu1h8JADLYeF8/s1600-h/DSC00061.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340963742879360722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrQZnanNKdhE30D3xlyJbZgl3y2rFyKrdMXo6EO1oGuJtRaxpHvJIWFCZG0c01G0qP-d-r7z_mjUVAeU8JsLUiB7i3DR1LbS1Y-HLKJeD4spYyvAaYKqDOueZHbMATNRzu1h8JADLYeF8/s400/DSC00061.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> And used a brown spray paint to spray the sides and the edges:<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340963745779745586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwD71HUKSqgnq3AVlq55SnUH-JSUymlQpRnNTYk5CxevToGRsRk05alAn6-lE9mykKdRPIE3rBCb6rixki1e8vJTBUt2n_9Xb4AuhPHugRfZcGFlEBqGxV1LAwZAV3lCcHGHSOJ4qzLyt/s400/DSC00062.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> Then spray adhesived (my made up word) the crap outta them -- the back of the paper and the front of the board. I let them both set up for about a minute, then just placed the paper on each board:<br /><div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340963749234283970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonLmROrfdWRmZxKQsrAyFmm3MadTfXflVLHZCe7VFv-1wQoO9GtTWw1HD-oi3K7FJOskmENF51N89c6OjJy2JstJpvXGsD__nQjiJ4zCu7R8aS6MMXXC9tVM0XP-Yx2VE138_DIfqlyWD/s400/DSC00063.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> </div><div>I decided to do the nine squares like Ballard:<br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340964521466066258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_d00GAwI2QtlBsAMSaa-exj3nVSIDKXR5T7acNi5rvnq9OY8nQO1SQs1dg189BCRMm6r50IDm_5azUWxVFUXxkAZdGKmhHi0K6UqVadW4Ii_Vt7LwyJyABq36N0_7DLkxZkNiuqeUUV1/s400/DSC00071.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340964512661904338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8NcocIFNpik56Isuo6dj0fKq4goFBqUxfJ0sHs1nleXEp5iNs-uU_s2xwyPECHgjZOsIMQg5M-FaS1YXz7d60S4ylO5UqR_38eeZQ81EIgVqK7Z3maRQxdiyghdHyp5qJ6rdBxuBze3u/s400/DSC00069.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I nailed them right into the wall, instead of putting brackets on the back:<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340964526455076082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvQJb-j0dygYHZduOgeqVR1vp0WPON5Om5w3qUIfIOXJQpybbcMRPnvdz5q-Q2XKJKhr_P6_7XSQn5BtRHwwCbYMpSjVinKSQ0qRHqG_dju2NYhCTT8-eL167oI3ike-Cdmiz5WvxbL7S/s400/DSC00074.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div><div>I love it! I bought trim to do the edges like Ballard, but now I don't know if they need it...what do you think?:</div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340964927367816226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTXCdhCuRgyuX69UGcmKfyUmIe3vtRzr1WiW9mN8Vfwmv9VAm91DMsPLDzQn3j6lthcmQQaik4H1I1BiyFpLF_ldCsiQzzBszBiGVF5WvcSVC8BsQLBfGvUNMKPtr5eVhuvQbCt9qNDG3/s400/ballard.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 368px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 368px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340964518963195490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcitLFxqXI6FFdHw7tKiQg1pqcUrDraWDK4QlKeKyNHh7C-P-l6VkV0GavrT2qKixRUoF28l2X7-jyE6IVLeX6tFgwnrK2pchuub2X8WdWT1cbd4PAUkhgv1PJSuc4-uxyUyL41txWGGp/s400/DSC00066.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I don't know I don't know! Help! I've seen this done all over blogland, and I think most people use canvases. I was being cheap -- I think all the wood for this was less than $10. Total with the wood, paper and spray paint, this cost less than $25. The Ballard version is $200! </div><div></div><div><br />Many of you asked about the arch that used to be in this space (a couple posts back). It is uber-cool...I got it from Goodwill years ago for two bucks!!:<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340964530367842402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheT2h4-bkU_3tuWIRMHev4epNaCxbh3ZA5ysIsx5jfYmnEAMCIMPvHZg6EZVruue0U-QiAip6V9LaPFqTPPlx-0XI6IsWDCuFyoxOFwbOIWsGH-UyrDMetI-Io2mHNCSlLFGAM5NGqJoN5/s400/DSC00075.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I was just <em>reallllly</em> tired of it in that spot, and needed something new. I was going to take it to Goodwill but I think I'm going to use it outside -- fun eh? </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>To see my other Ballard inspiration project, go <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/03/using-ballard-as-inspiration-to-make-my.html">here</a>. </p>

Using Ballard Designs as inspiration (part deux)

Here I go again! I tell you what, if you really look through the Ballard Designs catalog, you can find so many items you can make on your o...

Read more »