After you have all your supplies, the first thing you’re going to want to do is cut your pegboard down to the size you want. I cut mine to be 24″ x 20″. If you wish to add a fun pattern or paint your pegboard a bold color, do this next. Hanna and I, along with our sister-in-law, actually made up a bunch of these cute pegboards to sell at a craft fair last summer and they were a big hit! Click HERE to see more of the pegboards and for different ideas on what to use them for.

Once you have finished painting your pegboard, set it aside to dry while you construct the frame. To measure out the size of the frame, first measure in about 1/2 inch on your pegboard and mark it with a pencil on all four sides. Then measure the distances between each mark (they should equal the length and width of your pegboard minus 1 inch). Now measure out one of those distances on your trim and with an angle ruler, draw a 45 degree angle on each side extending out. Repeat this step for each side of the pegboard, then carefully cut your trim along each 45 degree angle. You should now have the four sides to your frame. With the wood glue, glue the frame together and allow the glue to set overnight. After the glue is dried completely, you can now attach the frame to your pegboard. Do this by spreading the liquid nails around the outside edges of the pegboard then place your frame on top to align with the 1/2 inch markings. Press down firmly on the frame for about 30 seconds then set the whole project aside on a flat surface to allow the glue to finish drying.

My grandma had a huge box full of pegboard hooks, which is where I got mine. But, the cheapest place I’ve seen them for sale is on Amazon, or you can find them at most any hardware store such as Home Depots or Lowes. I also found this cute wire basket on Amazon which opens up even more organizing options using these easy framed pegboards! The possibilities are endless!

Linked to:
http://elizabethjoandesigns.com/2014/03/designs-time-no-1/
http://justagirlandherblog.com/hit-me-with-your-best-shot-11/
http://www.madincrafts.com/2014/03/mad-skills-party-199.html
http://www.sohosonnet.com/link-it-or-lump-it/link-it-or-lump-it-sunday-link-party-31/
http://thediydreamer.com/from-dream-to-reality/110-share-your-projects/

Now that we have a place of our own, I’ve been on a DIY decorating craze! Being in an unfamiliar territory, I’ve been anxious to create an environment that we can feel at home in. But, being a poor college student (yet again) I’m determined to do it on a budget as well.

While living at my parent’s house, I regularly read the HGTV and DIY magazines that my mom received in the mail each month. They were full of beautiful decorating ideas and budget-friendly tips. One trend that I noticed in several of the magazines was the use of silver accents in the home. When done right, I think metallic accents can look so modern and chic and can be a great way to add interest to any room.

Before the move, Collin and I pick up some old lamps at an estate sell for $5 a piece. I originally purchased them for mainly aesthetic purposes, but they have turned out to be very functional as our living room in our new apartment does not have any central overhead lighting.  While they have proved to be quite functional, there was no doubt that they needed a little face lift. Excited to experiment with silver accents, I decided to spray paint the lamps silver for a dramatic look.

I started by thoroughly wiping down and cleaning each lamp to prep them for being painted. After they were clean I made sure to covered the electrical parts of the lamps. Using some metalic silver spray paint I had leftover from another project, I gave each lamp base a couple coats of paint. To finish off the project, each got a new lamp shade purchased from IKEA for $10 a piece bringing the grand total to just $30! While I do love the outcome, I think I will transition to darker lamp shades in the future to contrast my white walls…unless I get brave enough to actually paint.