Super Sweet Vintage Statement Piece

     Well, these past few months have been quite a trip! I've managed to (finally) get a bit settled into the new house and can (finally) find a few spare moments to start blogging again. A new house means lots of space for some really great projects and I have hit the ground running. I've got a few great decor ideas tried (with a few failures) lined up for posts in the coming weeks. 

     My latest project and find is this really unique thrifted-barn-shutter-turned-statement-piece! I'm pretty proud of this one; it was easier than I thought to make and it looks f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. This would go great in a space that needs some verticality, such as a small wall. When we moved in, we found that there were a few random areas where there were outlets high on the wall (in the US, this is pretty uncommon). I thought I needed to take advantage, or cover it so I chose both. If you spent any time looking for unique or interesting pieces can easily cost a minimum of $300!!! Absurd, I know. Not only is this piece unique, but the whole thing only cost $100! 

     Tutorial after the break.

The rustic, weathered look adds interest to any wall. We plan on eventually painting this wall a lime-washed yellow, making the shutter pop even more.

     Well, these past few months have been quite a trip! I've managed to (finally) get a bit settled into the new house and can (finally) find a few spare moments to start blogging again. A new house means lots of space for some really great projects and I have hit the ground running. I've got a few great decor ideas tried (with a few failures) lined up for posts in the coming weeks. 

     My latest project and find is this really unique thrifted-barn-shutter-turned-statement-piece! I'm pretty proud of this one; it was easier than I thought to make and it looks f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. This would go great in a space that needs some verticality, such as a small wall. When we moved in, we found that there were a few random areas where there were outlets high on the wall (in the US, this is pretty uncommon). I thought I needed to take advantage, or cover it so I chose both. If you spent any time looking for unique or interesting pieces can easily cost a minimum of $300!!! Absurd, I know. Not only is this piece unique, but the whole thing only cost $100! 

     Tutorial after the break.

The rustic, weathered look adds interest to any wall. We plan on eventually painting this wall a lime-washed yellow, making the shutter pop even more.

     Well, these past few months have been quite a trip! I've managed to (finally) get a bit settled into the new house and can (finally) find a few spare moments to start blogging again. A new house means lots of space for some really great projects and I have hit the ground running. I've got a few great decor ideas tried (with a few failures) lined up for posts in the coming weeks. 

     My latest project and find is this really unique thrifted-barn-shutter-turned-statement-piece! I'm pretty proud of this one; it was easier than I thought to make and it looks f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. This would go great in a space that needs some verticality, such as a small wall. When we moved in, we found that there were a few random areas where there were outlets high on the wall (in the US, this is pretty uncommon). I thought I needed to take advantage, or cover it so I chose both. If you spent any time looking for unique or interesting pieces can easily cost a minimum of $300!!! Absurd, I know. Not only is this piece unique, but the whole thing only cost $100! 

     Tutorial after the break.

The rustic, weathered look adds interest to any wall. We plan on eventually painting this wall a lime-washed yellow, making the shutter pop even more.

     Well, these past few months have been quite a trip! I've managed to (finally) get a bit settled into the new house and can (finally) find a few spare moments to start blogging again. A new house means lots of space for some really great projects and I have hit the ground running. I've got a few great decor ideas tried (with a few failures) lined up for posts in the coming weeks. 

     My latest project and find is this really unique thrifted-barn-shutter-turned-statement-piece! I'm pretty proud of this one; it was easier than I thought to make and it looks f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. This would go great in a space that needs some verticality, such as a small wall. When we moved in, we found that there were a few random areas where there were outlets high on the wall (in the US, this is pretty uncommon). I thought I needed to take advantage, or cover it so I chose both. If you spent any time looking for unique or interesting pieces can easily cost a minimum of $300!!! Absurd, I know. Not only is this piece unique, but the whole thing only cost $100! 

     Tutorial after the break.

The rustic, weathered look adds interest to any wall. We plan on eventually painting this wall a lime-washed yellow, making the shutter pop even more.

Re-vamping Wooden Shelves...(or anything else you can think of)

     Hey lovelies! Sorry I haven't been updating as recently as I would like, I have been a busy, busy, busy girl hunting for work. Speaking of which, if you are or know anyone in the architecture field, please be sure to check out my professional portfolio, the link is on the tab at the top of the page! Shameless plug I know, but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

     Anyways, a few months back I completed a project I had been planning to do forever - re paint these out-dated bookshelves (from Pottery Barn purchased ages ago). I've had them since high school and the design is great, but the paint was getting a bit...worn. With a little help from my "local" hardware store (I had a gift card to HomeDepot that needed using) this project was pretty easy.

     This is a simple way to makeover a space without breaking the bank! Especially if you are making a more - er - gender neutral apartment!

More after the break!

Happily Painting

Before and after!

     Hey lovelies! Sorry I haven't been updating as recently as I would like, I have been a busy, busy, busy girl hunting for work. Speaking of which, if you are or know anyone in the architecture field, please be sure to check out my professional portfolio, the link is on the tab at the top of the page! Shameless plug I know, but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

     Anyways, a few months back I completed a project I had been planning to do forever - re paint these out-dated bookshelves (from Pottery Barn purchased ages ago). I've had them since high school and the design is great, but the paint was getting a bit...worn. With a little help from my "local" hardware store (I had a gift card to HomeDepot that needed using) this project was pretty easy.

     This is a simple way to makeover a space without breaking the bank! Especially if you are making a more - er - gender neutral apartment!

More after the break!

Happily Painting

Before and after!

     Hey lovelies! Sorry I haven't been updating as recently as I would like, I have been a busy, busy, busy girl hunting for work. Speaking of which, if you are or know anyone in the architecture field, please be sure to check out my professional portfolio, the link is on the tab at the top of the page! Shameless plug I know, but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

     Anyways, a few months back I completed a project I had been planning to do forever - re paint these out-dated bookshelves (from Pottery Barn purchased ages ago). I've had them since high school and the design is great, but the paint was getting a bit...worn. With a little help from my "local" hardware store (I had a gift card to HomeDepot that needed using) this project was pretty easy.

     This is a simple way to makeover a space without breaking the bank! Especially if you are making a more - er - gender neutral apartment!

More after the break!

Happily Painting

Before and after!

     Hey lovelies! Sorry I haven't been updating as recently as I would like, I have been a busy, busy, busy girl hunting for work. Speaking of which, if you are or know anyone in the architecture field, please be sure to check out my professional portfolio, the link is on the tab at the top of the page! Shameless plug I know, but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

     Anyways, a few months back I completed a project I had been planning to do forever - re paint these out-dated bookshelves (from Pottery Barn purchased ages ago). I've had them since high school and the design is great, but the paint was getting a bit...worn. With a little help from my "local" hardware store (I had a gift card to HomeDepot that needed using) this project was pretty easy.

     This is a simple way to makeover a space without breaking the bank! Especially if you are making a more - er - gender neutral apartment!

More after the break!

Happily Painting

Before and after!

Recycling Candles

Hello all!

     I've been a busy worker bee, doing lots of DIY lately and I thought I'd share my most recent project; recycling candles. We all have candles with burnt out wicks but plenty of leftover wax. Fear not my friend, you can still use that wax! There are a few ways to do this, but I have my preferred method after many fails. I wouldn't call this a beginner project, but it isn't impossible either, you just have to pay attention (and not much is more boring than watching water boil, but seriously pay attention!) or you will end up with a huge mess on your hands...and all over your kitchen and floor.

     I love this one because you get a nice layered candle that will go through all of your favorite scents! It's also such an easy way to avoid throwing out lots of awesome and easily re-usable material, saving you tons of money!

     I highly encourage you to read the entire tutorial before attempting this one as I've laid out a lot of options and a lot of scenarios that I've encountered through trial and error. 

Tutorial after the break!

PS...please excuse my lame photography, my nice camera is having battery issues and my phone was the closest thing around me =)

Hello all!

     I've been a busy worker bee, doing lots of DIY lately and I thought I'd share my most recent project; recycling candles. We all have candles with burnt out wicks but plenty of leftover wax. Fear not my friend, you can still use that wax! There are a few ways to do this, but I have my preferred method after many fails. I wouldn't call this a beginner project, but it isn't impossible either, you just have to pay attention (and not much is more boring than watching water boil, but seriously pay attention!) or you will end up with a huge mess on your hands...and all over your kitchen and floor.

     I love this one because you get a nice layered candle that will go through all of your favorite scents! It's also such an easy way to avoid throwing out lots of awesome and easily re-usable material, saving you tons of money!

     I highly encourage you to read the entire tutorial before attempting this one as I've laid out a lot of options and a lot of scenarios that I've encountered through trial and error. 

Tutorial after the break!

PS...please excuse my lame photography, my nice camera is having battery issues and my phone was the closest thing around me =)

Hello all!

     I've been a busy worker bee, doing lots of DIY lately and I thought I'd share my most recent project; recycling candles. We all have candles with burnt out wicks but plenty of leftover wax. Fear not my friend, you can still use that wax! There are a few ways to do this, but I have my preferred method after many fails. I wouldn't call this a beginner project, but it isn't impossible either, you just have to pay attention (and not much is more boring than watching water boil, but seriously pay attention!) or you will end up with a huge mess on your hands...and all over your kitchen and floor.

     I love this one because you get a nice layered candle that will go through all of your favorite scents! It's also such an easy way to avoid throwing out lots of awesome and easily re-usable material, saving you tons of money!

     I highly encourage you to read the entire tutorial before attempting this one as I've laid out a lot of options and a lot of scenarios that I've encountered through trial and error. 

Tutorial after the break!

PS...please excuse my lame photography, my nice camera is having battery issues and my phone was the closest thing around me =)

Hello all!

     I've been a busy worker bee, doing lots of DIY lately and I thought I'd share my most recent project; recycling candles. We all have candles with burnt out wicks but plenty of leftover wax. Fear not my friend, you can still use that wax! There are a few ways to do this, but I have my preferred method after many fails. I wouldn't call this a beginner project, but it isn't impossible either, you just have to pay attention (and not much is more boring than watching water boil, but seriously pay attention!) or you will end up with a huge mess on your hands...and all over your kitchen and floor.

     I love this one because you get a nice layered candle that will go through all of your favorite scents! It's also such an easy way to avoid throwing out lots of awesome and easily re-usable material, saving you tons of money!

     I highly encourage you to read the entire tutorial before attempting this one as I've laid out a lot of options and a lot of scenarios that I've encountered through trial and error. 

Tutorial after the break!

PS...please excuse my lame photography, my nice camera is having battery issues and my phone was the closest thing around me =)

DIY Coasters

Please check out my new blog at  https://.www.foxintheforest.net for tales of adventure and travel :)
 
Hello and happy new year! I had big plans on some epic new year post, but I'm not really into those sorts of things. The new year is just a reason for me to accidentally back date checks by a year (yes, I still, on occasion, write them). So instead of a nostalgic year end/beginning post I've decided to share with you a gift I made for my parents, handmade coasters with photographs from their travels. They were a HUGE hit and if you put in a little elbow grease they make a really nice gift.

Directions after the break

Please check out my new blog at  https://.www.foxintheforest.net for tales of adventure and travel :)
 
Hello and happy new year! I had big plans on some epic new year post, but I'm not really into those sorts of things. The new year is just a reason for me to accidentally back date checks by a year (yes, I still, on occasion, write them). So instead of a nostalgic year end/beginning post I've decided to share with you a gift I made for my parents, handmade coasters with photographs from their travels. They were a HUGE hit and if you put in a little elbow grease they make a really nice gift.

Directions after the break

Please check out my new blog at  https://.www.foxintheforest.net for tales of adventure and travel :)
 
Hello and happy new year! I had big plans on some epic new year post, but I'm not really into those sorts of things. The new year is just a reason for me to accidentally back date checks by a year (yes, I still, on occasion, write them). So instead of a nostalgic year end/beginning post I've decided to share with you a gift I made for my parents, handmade coasters with photographs from their travels. They were a HUGE hit and if you put in a little elbow grease they make a really nice gift.

Directions after the break

Please check out my new blog at  https://.www.foxintheforest.net for tales of adventure and travel :)
 
Hello and happy new year! I had big plans on some epic new year post, but I'm not really into those sorts of things. The new year is just a reason for me to accidentally back date checks by a year (yes, I still, on occasion, write them). So instead of a nostalgic year end/beginning post I've decided to share with you a gift I made for my parents, handmade coasters with photographs from their travels. They were a HUGE hit and if you put in a little elbow grease they make a really nice gift.

Directions after the break

DIY Obsession

     After coming to the realization that I won't be going on any 6 week epic trips anytime soon, I thought I would start writing about other things I am up to. Without jumping on the soap box too much, I'm a strong proponent of DIY. Honestly anyone can do such things if they want to, and the result is something more unique than anything you can find in the store; in fact, it's often times better. Since I have a lot of time on my hands (only so long one can troll the internet and harass contacts for work) I've gotten back into making things. Ah the idle hands of the architecture student can only go un-used for so long. Sounds kinda dirty, but you get what I mean.

     Hopefully I can inspire some of you as well. Re-use is easy, simply take something that is still useful, but you may not use and find a better use for it. In the case of jewelry deconstruct it and use your favorite pieces elsewhere, if it's an old candle, buy some new wicks and melt down the rest of it and re-use it (just don't make some of the mistakes I've made, described below).

     My current obsession has been wrapping things. Wrapping things quickly re-vamps things or add an extra something to a new project and it's easy to do, making it a perfect beginner project. The actual process can seem somewhat tedious, but you can just put on some of your favorite tunes or a TV show to help you pass the time. I have lots of hemp and embroidery floss left over from my friendship bracelet days, and my mom has an extensive under-used collection that I've happily taken advantage of.

A few examples of some projects after the break!

     After coming to the realization that I won't be going on any 6 week epic trips anytime soon, I thought I would start writing about other things I am up to. Without jumping on the soap box too much, I'm a strong proponent of DIY. Honestly anyone can do such things if they want to, and the result is something more unique than anything you can find in the store; in fact, it's often times better. Since I have a lot of time on my hands (only so long one can troll the internet and harass contacts for work) I've gotten back into making things. Ah the idle hands of the architecture student can only go un-used for so long. Sounds kinda dirty, but you get what I mean.

     Hopefully I can inspire some of you as well. Re-use is easy, simply take something that is still useful, but you may not use and find a better use for it. In the case of jewelry deconstruct it and use your favorite pieces elsewhere, if it's an old candle, buy some new wicks and melt down the rest of it and re-use it (just don't make some of the mistakes I've made, described below).

     My current obsession has been wrapping things. Wrapping things quickly re-vamps things or add an extra something to a new project and it's easy to do, making it a perfect beginner project. The actual process can seem somewhat tedious, but you can just put on some of your favorite tunes or a TV show to help you pass the time. I have lots of hemp and embroidery floss left over from my friendship bracelet days, and my mom has an extensive under-used collection that I've happily taken advantage of.

A few examples of some projects after the break!

     After coming to the realization that I won't be going on any 6 week epic trips anytime soon, I thought I would start writing about other things I am up to. Without jumping on the soap box too much, I'm a strong proponent of DIY. Honestly anyone can do such things if they want to, and the result is something more unique than anything you can find in the store; in fact, it's often times better. Since I have a lot of time on my hands (only so long one can troll the internet and harass contacts for work) I've gotten back into making things. Ah the idle hands of the architecture student can only go un-used for so long. Sounds kinda dirty, but you get what I mean.

     Hopefully I can inspire some of you as well. Re-use is easy, simply take something that is still useful, but you may not use and find a better use for it. In the case of jewelry deconstruct it and use your favorite pieces elsewhere, if it's an old candle, buy some new wicks and melt down the rest of it and re-use it (just don't make some of the mistakes I've made, described below).

     My current obsession has been wrapping things. Wrapping things quickly re-vamps things or add an extra something to a new project and it's easy to do, making it a perfect beginner project. The actual process can seem somewhat tedious, but you can just put on some of your favorite tunes or a TV show to help you pass the time. I have lots of hemp and embroidery floss left over from my friendship bracelet days, and my mom has an extensive under-used collection that I've happily taken advantage of.

A few examples of some projects after the break!

     After coming to the realization that I won't be going on any 6 week epic trips anytime soon, I thought I would start writing about other things I am up to. Without jumping on the soap box too much, I'm a strong proponent of DIY. Honestly anyone can do such things if they want to, and the result is something more unique than anything you can find in the store; in fact, it's often times better. Since I have a lot of time on my hands (only so long one can troll the internet and harass contacts for work) I've gotten back into making things. Ah the idle hands of the architecture student can only go un-used for so long. Sounds kinda dirty, but you get what I mean.

     Hopefully I can inspire some of you as well. Re-use is easy, simply take something that is still useful, but you may not use and find a better use for it. In the case of jewelry deconstruct it and use your favorite pieces elsewhere, if it's an old candle, buy some new wicks and melt down the rest of it and re-use it (just don't make some of the mistakes I've made, described below).

     My current obsession has been wrapping things. Wrapping things quickly re-vamps things or add an extra something to a new project and it's easy to do, making it a perfect beginner project. The actual process can seem somewhat tedious, but you can just put on some of your favorite tunes or a TV show to help you pass the time. I have lots of hemp and embroidery floss left over from my friendship bracelet days, and my mom has an extensive under-used collection that I've happily taken advantage of.

A few examples of some projects after the break!