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Contact Paper Furniture Update

posted in crafts, diy, home, tutorial by Sara on April 14, 2014

There is always something about springtime that makes me what to start fresh– out with old and in with the new. As soon as the warm weather hits I’m ready to throw the dull winter clothes into storage and replace them with bright new colorful ones. I clean out, get organized, and rearrange almost my entire house. It’s all so refreshing! First on my list this year is a bedroom makeover, starting with this dresser update.

Update your furniture with contact paper: It''s easy, inexpensive, and produces fabulous results // Stripes and Polka Dots

We inherited these drawers from my mom after we got married due to the fact that we were poor college students with hardly any money for furniture. They’re actually those inexpensive Closetmaid drawers, and while they’re nothing fancy, they certainly did the job. Really, we were just happy with anything we could get.

Well, four years later we’re still poor college students with no money for new furniture. Since we didn’t have it in the budget to go out and buy a new dresser, I basically had to work with what I had. My husband kept suggesting we paint them, but to be honest I hate painting furniture (especially laminate furniture). I simply don’t have the patience for it. After some thought, I finally came up with an easy solution to my problem…contact paper!

You all know how much I love shiny metallics so naturally I went with a faux stainless steal look. It just seems so sleek and sophisticated! The great thing about contact paper is that it is inexpensive, easy to apply, easy to replace, and comes in many different colors and patterns. So, if in a couple of months I decide I want a different look, it would be an easy fix.

Anyway, here is how I transformed my dresser in just 4 simple steps:

This whole project costed me under $15! I got my contact paper at Home Depot but you can get it on Amazon for a little cheaper. I was going to buy new hardware for it as well but it would have cost me over $25 so I settled for a $4 can of spray paint. Overall, I love how it turned out! It is the first step in my bedroom makeover and I can’t wait till it all comes together. To give you an idea of what I what the end results to look like I’ve created a little inspiration board below (final reveal to come later!).

– SARA

Linked to:

http://elizabethjoandesigns.com/2014/04/desings-time-no-5/
http://www.abrightandbeautifullife.com/making-monday-36/
http://homecomingmn.blogspot.ca/2014/04/the-diyers-57.html
http://diyshowoff.com/2014/04/13/diy-party-9/
http://www.tinysidekick.com/the-makers-link-party-13/
http://justagirlandherblog.com/hit-me-with-your-best-shot-15/

Metallic Photo Wall Collage

posted in diy, home, Pinterest Challenge by Hanna on April 9, 2014

For those of you following the Pinterest Challenge we are currently doing, a couple weeks ago I posted my metallic photo frame that I did. I promised then that I would show you the entire wall collage that I created around this frame. So today I’m sharing!

This photo collage also shows more progress in the decorating of my home. So far I’ve been really hesitant to put anything up or do anything in fear I will hate it or my style will change; once I actually figure it out that is. Finally I just decided to do something and not worry about changing it later, because that’s the great thing about home decor…it can be changed many times! Anyway, the living room where this photo collage now resides is slowly coming together and it all started with a bronze vase I have. It gave me the inspiration to continue a metallic, bronze throughout the room.

Also I don’t know if you’ve noticed that beautiful piano below the collage, but can I just say how in LOVE with it I am?! We were given it as a wedding/house gift from my husband’s parents when we moved in. After years of not having a piano, it has been so nice to have one in our house. I wouldn’t say I’m a concert pianist in the least bit, but I find such relief in playing it everyday. My girls also love it as they dance along while I play. The great part about it is the house has this little nook as you walk in the front door between a closet and the stairs that is just perfect for a piano. After getting the piano I knew I wanted to do some kind of photo frame display above it and eventually decided on the collage.

I couldn’t be more thrilled with the result and it’s given me the push to get more things up around the house.

-HANNA

Linked To:
http://placeofmytaste.com/2014/04/work-wednesday-42.html
http://thediydreamer.com/from-dream-to-reality/112-share-your-projects/
http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/2014/04/wow-me-wednesday-140.html
http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com/2014/04/linkn-blogs-20.html

Pinterest Challenge Week #1

posted in diy, home, inspiration, Pinterest Challenge, women's fashion by Hanna on March 28, 2014

Hey, it’s Hanna! When I saw this gold-dipped frame from Sarah at Pretty Providence, I fell in love and I had just the mirror to do this same thing with so on to my pin board this went. Sadly, not too long after I pinned this inspiration my mirror fell over and shattered. Now that I think of it, it was only a few weeks later I had to get my appendix out during our vacation in Florida…yep…bad luck! Anyway I still loved the idea so I decided to take this inspiration and use it on a picture frame.

Instead of going with gold I decided to try bronze to match some of the other decor I already had in my living room. This lovely frame is the center of a photo wall collage I did above our new piano. I’m in LOVE with it all! Now I just need to get a family picture in this frame and it’s complete!

Stay tuned for a complete look at this framed wall collage with bronze accents coming soon!

(inspiration source)

Sara here, to show my first project of the Pinterest Challenge– a DIY studded collar! Studded apparel is everywhere this season and it’s one trend I’m absolutely in love with! Best of all is that I found this simple tutorial on Pinterest a while back on how to create your own studded look.You can buys these studs at almost any craft supply store (I got mine at Joanns with a 40% coupon for $3.60) and they come in all different colors. Each stud has little prongs that you push into the fabric. Once the stud is placed right where you want it, you bend the prongs inward to secure the stud. You guys, it is soo easy! I’m trying not to get too carried away and bedazzle my whole wardrobe with these studs, I love them!

(inspiration source)

We hope you enjoyed this first week of projects! Be sure to follow our Pinterest Challenge board on Pinterest so you can check out all the amazing projects by us and the other bloggers!

Follow Stripes and Polka Dots’s board Pinterest Challenge on Pinterest.

Making Progress // DIY Chalkboard Calendar

posted in diy, home, organization by Hanna on March 26, 2014

I’m blaming it on the warm weather and “spring cleaning” for my recent productivity and finally starting to unpack the rest of our boxes; most of which had a lot of our home decor stuff. Four months in our new house and in just the last few weeks I feel like we’ve made some real progress to make it look like we actually live here!

After living in our house for awhile and giving it much thought (I’m talking many nights in bed before going to sleep) I’m starting to get a sense of the things I want to do for each room. I still wouldn’t say it’s all exactly how I want it, but I’ve been surprised at how putting up a few things really brings out who we are and makes me feel more comfortable in my house. Plus I had a good reminiscing moment while pulling out all our pictures that have been boxed up. I already need to replace most of them with updated pictures of the girls!

So today I’m giving you a peak at our dining room. It’s right off the kitchen and connects with the living room and the family room so it’s a place we’re in a lot!

Right now I’m going through each room and decorating it using mostly things we have on hand and then making a list of things the room still needs that we’ll need to start saving for. Rugs are at the top of the list for pretty much all of the rooms on our main floor as is the case for the dining room. Anyone have some good suggestions on rugs for a dining room? I need to find something that will hold up with kids and the huge mess they seem to make under their chairs at meal times!

Other than a rug the thing on my list was some sort of a calendar. I made one for our last place out of an old window frame, but it doesn’t fit anywhere in our house where it would be convenient. While I was at Hobby Lobby I happened upon a chalkboard that was 23×35 inches for only $8.50 after getting it 40% off.

At first I thought about taping off the lines for the whole calendar and painting it (I ALWAYS think of the hardest way first) and then I discovered paint pens. Pretty much the best thing invented and I’m just learning about them! I’m probably way behind on the times here. I made another trip to Hobby Lobby for mine. This is the one I got and I had just enough to draw out the whole calendar. I also gave the wood frame a coat of white paint that I had on hand as well.

I’m loving finally being able to see our month happenings at a glance, especially with Eric traveling for work. I never seem to remember his schedule and always think he’s going to be home one week when he is scheduled to fly out. This will keep that all sorted out.

Oh and lets talk about how I had to actually turn on our fan today because it was so warm outside! The problem was I couldn’t figure out how to turn it off for the pictures. The chain was stuck and every time I tried to reach higher my hand would get whacked by the fan. Tomorrow’s fix-it project I guess.

-HANNA

Linked To:

http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2014/03/craft-o-maniac-monday-link-party-13.html

http://carriethishome.com/2014/03/frugal-crafty-home-blog-hop-69/

http://www.abrightandbeautifullife.com/making-monday-34/

DIY: Framed Pegboard Jewelry Holder

posted in crafts, diy, home, tutorial by Sara on March 17, 2014

DIY Pegboard Jewelry Holder | by Stripes and Polka Dots

I hope everyone has been experiencing the beautiful spring weather that we’ve been getting! I think we went for a walk or to the park almost everyday last week. I could just live outside! The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and the world seems to be coming alive again. Living in Oregon you never really know how long the sunny days will last so I try and soak up every minute of it! In light of the beautiful weather, over the weekend I even whipped up this cute little springtime skirt for my daughter (an easy sewing tutorial included).

Today, I wanted to share this easy pegboard jewelry holder that can be made for under $10. For under $10 it is a fun way to organize and display your jewelry, or whatever you decided to use it for. I have a larger one of these in my sewing room that holds all my thread, sewing accessories and crafts– they’re wonderful! Here is what you’ll need:

Supplies:

– pegboard (I found mine in the scrap bid at Home Depot)

– floor board casing or trim (THIS is what I used)

– liquid nails

– wood glue

– paint (optional)

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/

Homemade Laundry Soap

posted in diy, home, money saving tips, tutorial by Hanna on March 12, 2014

There seems to be a tutorial or recipe out there for just about any cleaning supply. I’ve never been one to quickly jump on board when I can just buy something for the same price or just a little bit more, especially when it will save me time. However, after watching my mom make her own laundry soap for the last couple of years and how much she is saving I decided I needed to give it a try. Not only does this laundry soap save money but it’s easy to make and works great for washing whites, colors and everything in between! Who’s ready to take the jump with me?

To make this you’ll just need a few supplies.

– 4 lbs Borax

– 4 lbs Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

– 4 lbs Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

– 3 bars of Fels-Naptha Soap

-large mixing bowl

-fine grater

– air tight container

*Just a tip, I was able to get all the supplies to make this in the laundry section at Walmart all pretty close to each other. It makes it that much easier!

Combine all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Using the fine side of a grater, grate the Fels-Naptha soap bars. Mix everything together and store in the air tight container.

Use 1/2 cup for a large load of laundry.

One batch filled three of the smaller containers that I used. It also lasts me around 4-6 months with doing laundry a couple times a week for a family of four.

Now that I’m trying some new things, I’d love to hear of other cleaning supplies that you’ve made that I should try too!

Linked To:

http://sparklesandastove.com/things-pretty-linky-party-51-features/

DIY Magnet Board Photo Wall

posted in diy, family, home, inspiration by Hanna on February 26, 2014

Sara and I are 2 out of 5 kids in our family. In just over five years our family of 7 grew to 15 people. Between weddings, graduations, trips and having babies there have been LOTS of moments captured; all of which my mother tried to put on her kitchen walls. Needless to say, it was starting to get really cluttered. So for her birthday I decided to solve the problem and give our mom a nice, big space to display photos of her cute grand-babies.

For many years now I have looked at this blank wall as I’ve walk up and down the stairs at our parent’s house. After looking for a solution to where all of the pictures could go, that my mom wanted to have around I couldn’t have found a better place! So last year while I was staying there over the holidays I drew up some plans of how I wanted the wall to look and what would allow for the most pictures. The magnet boards makes it easy to hang and interchange a lots of pictures, plus the ledge on top adds additional space for framed pictures.

We started by adhering sheets of metal we got from the local hardware store with liquid nails that we cut down to the size we wanted. We also put a nail in each corner to secure them. My dad and husband were great handymen for this project!

Then we framed the metal sheets with 1x2s. Going along the top we did a 1×4 with a piece of molding over that to give it some detail. On top of all of that we added a photo ledge using another 1×4 and a thin strip of wood to the front of that to keep the frames from slipping.

After caulking all the edges, it only took a couple coats of paint to complete this project.

When I was showing our mom my plans for this before I even started I could tell she was a little hesitant and didn’t really see my vision. ~~Because I never come up with “over the top” projects that are hard to bring to reality.~~ In all honestly thought this was a really easy project once I figured out all the measurements and made all the cuts. Plus it cost less then $100!

I couldn’t be happier with the final results and neither can our mother. She says she loves going up and down those stairs now and looking at all the pictures of her family.

After doing this project, it’s made me want to do one in my own home down in the playroom. Hum…the wheels are turning again!

-HANNA

Linked To:
http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/02/23/sunday-best-link-party.html
http://thediydreamer.com/from-dream-to-reality/106-lets-party/
http://upcycledtreasures.com/2014/02/the-makers-link-party-6/
http://diyshowoff.com/2014/02/23/diy-party-5/
http://cityfarmhouse.com/2014/02/inspiration-exchange-linky-party-38.html
http://placeofmytaste.com/2014/02/work-wednesday-36.html

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